Scott Hickman, left, and his Attorney James Owens, right, reads his impact statements before the Washington County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark Kerenyi during Hickman’s sentencing on Tuesday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Waterford man Scott Hickman, 53, was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole after serving 20 years at his sentencing on Tuesday.

The sentence was read by Washington County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark Kerenyi following the impact statements from Kimberly Fulton’s family members, including her mother, surviving children, and her siblings.

“There’s no peace in my heart,” said Fulton’s mother, Vera Paxton. “Every day I wonder if my daughter and grandson’s murderer is still out there running free.”

The courtroom was somber with a photo montage of Fulton’s immediate family’s photos played on repeat on the projector while family members read their statements.

“My brother had one birthday on this earth,” said one of Fulton’s daughters, Amy Huck. “Scott, you took the life of a 17-month-old baby and he didn’t have a choice in this situation because he was a sweet and innocent baby.”

Many of the family members said they have never been the same after the day of the murders.

The impact statements were guided by Senior Assistant Attorney General Dan Kasaris.

Hickman’s attorney, James Owens, also provided statements about how Hickman’s mental health should be taken into account and he had wanted the jury to factor in the abuse Hickman experienced as a child.

Hickman said in his statement, “I’m innocent.”

A jury found Hickman guilty on four counts of aggravated murder and two counts of murder for the 1995 killing of Fulton, 28, and her 17-month-old son Daniel after a two-week trial in August.

The trial consisted of dozens of witnesses like law enforcement, prior cellmates, and ex-girlfriends. The jury deliberated for about two hours after closing arguments on Aug. 20.

The sentencing by Kerenyi took into consideration the trial indicated Hickman wasn’t the primary offender.

He said Hickman did have the right to an appeal since he went into trial pleading not guilty.

Hickman will remain in the custody of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office until further notice.