Man Sentenced in Death of a Westfield State Student

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By Anne Ebeling

Story Published: May 7, 2007 at 8:23 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 7, 2007 at 8:23 PM EDT

One punch was all it took to end the life of Westfield State College student, John O'Connell on October 2005. The man who threw the fatal punch faced his fate in court.

Frank Bruso showed no emotion as he as his punishment came down for killing Westfield college student John O'Connell. More than 18 months ago, Bruso threw the punch that killed O'Connell in a scuffle outside the former City Limitz bar in Westfield. Bruso will serve 6 - 7 1/2 years in state prison followed by 4 years probation after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter in a plea bargain supported by O'Connell's family. "For us, it's not a matter of revenge, it's a matter of some level of justice so we can move on and not have to drag the family through the process of a trial," said O'Connell's uncle, Dennis Collins.

Friends and family described John as a great kid with a giving spirit. "He was just a great person - it's almost hard to describe - especially once he's gone. You think about him more and I don't know how he was the person he was at this age," said close friend, Dan Duggan.

But even now that the man responsible for ending his life has been brought to justice, those who loved John find it hard to heal. Collins said, "I'm just glad it's over pretty much, but it doesn't change anything, he's still going to be gone and we're going to have to deal with that the way we have been the last year and a half."

Now, the family carries on John's name by raising money for scholarships. Soon, they hope to start a violence awareness class for college students. To learn more about the family's fundraising efforts - including an upcoming golf tournament in June - log on to www.okie33.com .

Next article Teenager Shot Dead in Holyoke

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