Mackowiak sentenced to life in prison without parole

OTTAWA, Ill. — A man found guilty in the 2007 double-homicide of a Seneca couple will spend the rest of his life in prison, without the possibility of parole.

The sentence was handed down Thursday to Keith Mackowiak in La Salle County Circuit Court for the murders of Aloysius Twardowski, 84, and his wife, Catherine Twardowski, 87, in their rural Seneca home.

La Salle County State's Attorney Brian Towne said the decision is a step forward for the Twardowski family, but is not necessarily the end for now.

"It adds another element of closure, but it won't be complete until appeals are exhausted and the case is closed," he said.

At the start of the sentencing hearing, Mackowiak made a motion for a new trial, arguing that his appointed attorney, Gerald Kielian, failed to adequately represent him. Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr. denied the motion.

Both parties were given a chance to speak before the decision was made. In a prepared statement, Connie Temple, the couple's daughter, said Mackowiak's actions have had a profound, irreparable impact on her family.

"Our lives are emotionally empty," she said, choking back tears. "We are only able to cope with our loved ones because of how mom and dad raised us."

Temple said small things, like Mother's Day cards or the face of an elderly person, bring back memories. Additionally, she said since her parents' deaths, she is more distrustful and doesn't feel safe in her home, making sure doors and windows are always closed and locked.

"Even with this motion, I'm always afraid someone's hiding," she said.

Temple said she was thankful that Mackowiak was found guilty and told him he will have to live the rest of his life feeling the pain he has caused.

Mackowiak also gave a statement, turning to face the numerous members of the Twardowski family who were present. He said he had made a "very, very bad decision" that was drug-induced, but maintained that he didn't strike the couple.

"I did not strike anybody," he said. "I stuck my nose where it didn't belong, but I did not hit anybody."

Mackowiak has 30 days to appeal the sentencing.