Bannister Sentenced to Life in Prison | Video

Alex Hagan | 7/31/2012

The man who shot and killed a Bismarck police officer was sentenced today. It`s been over a year since Sergeant Steve Kenner was shot and killed by Steven Bannister during a domestic disturbance. Bannister was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Bannister was given the maximum possible penalty for killing Sergeant Kenner.

"I`m going to sentence you to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole," said Judge David Reich.

State`s Attorney Richard Riha says if there was any case to warrant this outcome, this was it.

"He had an opportunity to see the officers coming, see the cars one by one arrive and the officers get out and pick his target, and he did that."

Those who knew and loved Sergeant Kenner say they are also serving a type of life sentence too.

"To summarize it, I mention how I go to work every evening know that the children of Steve Kenner aren`t going to have their dad to come home to at night, knowing that my little girl does," said officer Brad Jerome.

But today`s hearing did offer some sense of peace.

"This day brings us together for a sentencing of a murderer. It is a day that we will remember Sergeant Kenner, a hero. Although the sentence won`t bring Sergeant Kenner back, it does bring a certain level of closure for this horrific case," said Bismarck Police Deputy Chief Dan Donlin.

However, Sergeant Kenner`s death is a reminder of how dangerous a police officer`s job can be.

"Every time an officer puts on that uniform or displays that badge, they answer the call, just like Sergeant Kenner did, they respond to their duty with professionalism with honor and with coverage," Donlin said.

Bannister will spend the rest of his life in the North Dakota State Penitentiary.

The defense attorney asked that the sentence be 25 years, however the judge disagreed, giving Bannister a life sentence.

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