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Man who stuffed ex-girlfriend’s body in closet says he did not see victim’s face during murder

Posted at 10:44 AM, Jun 10, 2014
and last updated 2014-06-10 19:09:36-04

Virginia Beach, Va. - Jamiel Graves pleaded guilty to another murder on Tuesday morning.

Graves is convicted of murdering both his next door neighbor, Phylicia Robinson, and the mother of his children, Mandi Myers.

A judge found Graves guilty and sentenced him to life in prison for capital murder - killing more than one person in a three year span.

Graves faced the court and the family of Mandi Myers, his girlfriend.

He apologized, saying he took full responsibility.

Graves turned around and took a deep breath and apologized to Myers’ family for strangling her, then stuffing her in a closet.

The Myer family listened to one another as he told them that "No one deserves to lose a family member" and he is "totally to blame."

He went on to say, he didn't see Mandi's face when he was killing her.

A few minutes later, Graves learned he'll spend the rest of his life behind bars for Myers’ murder.

After apologizing to Mandi's family, he went on to his parents who were also sitting in court.

“I'm sorry for disgracing your name,” says Graves.

He also apologized to his attorneys for having to represent him.

This is the second life sentence Graves has received in two months.

In Norfolk, he was recently sentenced for murdering his neighbor Phylicia Robinson in the same way.

He strangled her then stuffed her in his closet.

Graves told the courtroom today if he could give his life 1,000 times he would, just to bring the two women back.

Based on his mental health, the commonwealth and defense both agreed not to push for the death penalty.

But today's sentence and graves' apology don't help ease the pain that the Myer family still has.

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Jamiel Graves in court today

Family, friends hold vigil for Norfolk woman found dead in neighbor’s closet