Kevin Tolliver stuck to his story until the bitter end at his sentencing hearing June 27 at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

Tolliver, 34, was sentenced to 18 years to life by Judge John A. Connor in the Dec. 29 shooting death of Ohio State student Claire Schneider, a senior in Spanish and international studies. He was convicted of one count of murder with a firearm specification June 24.

Tolliver spoke on his own behalf at the sentencing hearing. He broke into tears as he addressed the packed courtroom.

“She shot herself that night,” Tolliver said. “I loved her.”

The judge had no discretion in the sentencing of Tolliver. He was bound by the guidelines set by statute. Tolliver received 15 years for the murder and three for the firearm.

During the three-week trial Tolliver did not testify.

Prosecutors said the couple had been arguing the night of the murder, and Schneider tried to leave him.

Tolliver’s defense attorneys said the couple had planned to marry. Schneider’s father, Walt Schneider, said she had never mentioned this to the family.

Tolliver claimed Schneider shot herself, but ballistics and blood-spatter evidence proved otherwise.

She was shot at close range in the face with Tolliver’s semi-automatic 9mm handgun.

Family members addressed the court first, before the judge passed down the sentence.

Schneider’s aunt, Beverly Dowdell, spoke first as she struggled to hold back tears.

“A precious piece is gone now,” Dowdell said. “Claire’s 80-year-old grandmother can’t walk past her picture without crying.”

While family members spoke to the court, Tolliver sat with his head down, eyes closed and handcuffed. He glanced up periodically, only to look back down.

Zach Schneider, Claire’s 9-year-old brother, also spoke.

“I will miss you, Sissy,” Zach Schneider said.

Following the sentencing, Claire Schneider’s father, Walt Schneider, said he was not sure of Tolliver’s guilt leading into the trial.

“I had a little doubt about it,” Walt Schneider said. “After sitting here and hearing the evidence and understanding what went on, I’m firmly convinced that he is guilty of the crime.”

Franklin County Prosecutor Mark Wodarcyk said he was happy the family was able to say a few words on Claire Schneider’s behalf.

“I’m glad they all showed up and had an opportunity to say what they had to say.”

Wodarcyk did not want to comment on Tolliver’s declaration of innocence, but was happy with the verdict.