Update: Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Killing North Woodmere Motivational Speaker

This story was updated on April 5.

A Manhattan judge sentenced a 38-year-old man to 20 years to life in prison on Monday for the murder of Jeffrey Locker, a motivational speaker from North Woodmere that was found dead in Harlem in 2009.

"I am not an animal; I have no malice in my heart," a sobbing Minor told the court, according to published reports.

A jury last month convicted Kenneth Minor of one count of second-degree murder for his role in the death of Locker, whose body was found on July 16, 2009, in his car. Locker’s hands were bound behind his back and he had multiple stab wounds in his abdomen.

Both prosecutors and the defense said Locker had agreed to give Minor his ATM card to kill him. Minor, who was arrested on July 21, 2009, had told police that Locker wanted to escape his financial woes, and evidence presented during the trial showed the 52-year-old had substantial debt and recently purchased life insurance, according to a release from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.

“This was murder for money, not a mercy killing, which is why we prosecuted the case as an intentional murder,” Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. said last month. “We believe the jurors got it right with their verdict, and thank them for their service.”

Daniel Gotlin, Minor’s lawyer, said his client would appeal the conviction.

Surveillance video presented during the trial showed Minor entering Locker’s car on the night of his death, the DA’s office said. Minor was also caught on camera using Locker’s ATM card that same evening and also took and sold Locker’s cell phone. Minor had faced a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.

Locker, a parent of three students in Hewlett-Woodmere schools, was instrumental in the formation of the Hewlett-Woodmere Wrestling Committee.

“Many of you knew Jeff, but for those who didn't, Jeff was an exciting, dynamic speaker who presented from the heart,” the wrestling committee’s website says. “This was well seen at our annual fundraisers where Jeff kept us entertained and was the key to those successful events. We will all miss Jeff.”

The Jeff Locker Memorial Scholarship awards $500 to a Hewlett High School senior that has a passion for business and participates in extra-curricular activities and community service projects. Donations can be made to the address found on its website.