Sitting before Judge Patrick Clifford, Maxine and Paul Gilson said they are a shell of their former selves ever since their son, Michael Halpert, a Navy sailor, died after he was assaulted during a bar fight in 2009.

"My wife has joined the living dead," Paul Gilson said.

Gilson spoke at the sentencing of Eduardo Rosario, who pleaded guilty under the Alford Doctrine to first-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, suspended after 10 years served, and three years probation. Under the plea deal, he could have been sentenced up to 14 years in prison.

Gilson said the death of his stepson has devastated his wife who was once a vibrant and an active member in her community.

"Where does one go from here," asked Gilson. "We've aged from this atrocity."

State police were called to David's Cafe in Preston for a fight on June 26, 2009. They arrived to find Halpert unresponsive on the sidewalk. He was taken to the William W. Backus Hospital, where he died six days later of a head injury.

Police said Rosario had struck another man, Christopher Balzone, inside the bar, knocking him unconscious and breaking his jaw.

Halbert was outside the bar and attempted to stop Rosario when he learned that Rosario had assaulted his friend. Rosario punched Halpert, causing him to fall back and hit his head on the concrete.

Rosario contended that he was falsely accused by Balzone of stealing $15 at the bar. He argued that he fought back in self defense and never meant to kill Halpert.

A large photo of Halbert dressed in his Navy whites was placed in front of Clifford. Halpert's friends and relatives filled three rows in the gallery.

Paul Gilson, a neurologist, told the court that nothing was more devastating than seeing the results of a CT scan and knowing that death was inevitable for Halpert.

He said he had to be strong for his wife despite knowing that there was not much that could be done for Halpert.

Maxine Halpert said when she lost her only child she also lost a piece of her heart. She said the death has left her with numerous losses — loss of security, self confidence, security and ideals.

"Michael was my family," she said. "I don't know who I am anymore. More days than not I wish I was dead to be relieved of this pain."

She said Rosario left her son to die on the sidewalk like an animal and that the thought of her son's final moments leaves her inconsolable.

Denise LaBreck spoke on behalf of her daughter Stacie, who was dating Halpert. She said Rosario stole her daughter's future with Halpert. She said her daughter still grieves over Halpert's death.

Assistant State's Attorney Paul Narducci asked the court to impose the maximum punishment of 14 years in prison, noting that Halpert's death led to a series of events that adversely affected numerous people's lives.

"Their pain and suffering is as fresh today and it was three years ago," Narducci said.

Defense attorney Sebastian DeSantis said that Rosario never intended to kill Halpert. He said Rosario was working at Electric Boat and only had a minor criminal history.

"It was purely accidental," DeSantis said. "He had no intention of killing the victim."

Rosario also spoke on his behalf, and faced Halpert's parents.

"I'm extremely sorry for your loss," said a tearful Rosario. "I didn't mean to hurt your son. He died for no reason."

Rosario said he was falsely accused of stealing $15 and it was Balzone, he claims, that triggered the series of events that led to Halpert's death.

Before imposing his sentence, Clifford called the death a "violent, senseless tragedy" and told Rosario needed to take responsibility for the crime he committed.

After the sentencing, Maxine Gilson said she was still "numb" from the proceeding. She said while Rosario did show some remorse none of it would bring her son back.

"My grief is forever," Gilson said.