NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey (AP) A Chinese-born chemist who worked for a decade for one of America's biggest pharmaceutical companies was a cold, calculating murderer who poisoned her husband rather than let him divorce her, a judge said Monday as he sentenced her to life in prison.
Tianle Li won't be eligible for parole for more than 62 years for the killing of Xiaoye Wang, a computer software engineer, in early 2011, the judge said.
"This was planned, calculated and committed in a cruel and depraved manner," state Superior Court Judge Michael Toto said.
The 43-year-old Li was convicted in July of murder and hindering apprehension. Her attorney had sought a 30-year sentence.
Li continues to deny any role in her husband's death, said her attorney, Steven Altman. In a brief, tear-filled statement read in court Monday, Li said she prays for her husband's soul and will appeal the verdict. The couple has a son who is 4 and in the care of relatives.