South Fla. man sentenced to life in prison for nearly decapitating friend

Greg Senser 'basically sawed off his best friend's head,' prosecutor says

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. ā€“ A South Florida man was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday for nearly decapitating a friend in a drunken attack in 2010.

Greg Senser, 35, "basically sawed off his best friend's head," assistant state attorney Jill Richstone said during Senser's sentencing hearing.

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Senser fatally stabbed longtime friend Jason Barnett, 29, during a fight after a night of drinking at a Boynton Beach bar. He was convicted of second-degree murder in April.

"If he would victimize those who loved him, no one is safe," Richstone said, according to the Palm Beach Post. "Anything less than life is a huge risk."

Senser, who has been in jail since his arrest six years ago, blamed an addiction to painkillers for his actions.

His attorney said Senser has changed, embracing Christianity in jail and teaching Bible study to fellow inmates.

Defense attorney John Richardson said Senser was briefly a member of the Florida Atlantic University Owls football team, but a spokeswoman for FAU said there is no record of anyone by that name ever being registered for classes there. Richardson said his client was kicked off the team in 2004 after Senser was convicted of snatching purses from two women. He has also been convicted in federal court of bank robbery.

"I'm sorry for your loss," Senser told Barnett's family.

His attorney sought a 25-year sentence. He plans to appeal the decision.


About the Author:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.