A retired Bradenton police captain recently convicted of killing his wife has been sentenced to life in prison with a mandatory sentence of 25 years.
Thomas Fleming, 69, was arrested and charged with killing his 67-year-old wife, Claire Fleming, in October of 2012. Claire, was shot in the head in the bedroom of their Bradenton home.
Earlier this month, a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder. He told the jury that he was originally going to kill himself but shot his wife instead.
Fleming said he and his wife had a long history of problems during their 45 year marriage.
Prior to the judge’s ruling, he said although he is remorseful and loved his wife, he blames her mental problems for causing him to snap.
"Claire and I had a lot of secrets, a lot of secrets, Claire had problems,” said Fleming.
He asked for a lesser sentence and said he was hopeful the judge would have mercy on him.
"I led what I think a respectable life except for the 20-minutes or whatever on October first,” said Fleming.
Yet, the judge thought differently.
“A jealous raged murderer would be the description that I would apply to you,” said Judge Krug. "By taking this person who was loved by so many and needed by so many is despicable."
An act of violence the victim’s son said caused him major mental problems.
Shawn Fleming, sat through his father’s entire trial and spoke during the sentencing.
"I love him and I know he’s suffering right now, but he does not deserve freedom for what he did,” said Shawn.
In addition to sentencing him to life, the judge also ordered Fleming to pay restitution.
Fleming was a Bradenton police officer for nearly 20 years, from 1967 to May 1985.