Hopkins receives life imprisonment

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - Anthony Hopkins showed no remorse Thursday morning as Judge John Lockett sentenced him to life plus 51 years in prison. Investigators say in 2008, Hopkins murdered his wife, Arletha, and stuffed her body in a freezer after she caught him molesting his step-daughter.

"There were eight loving children who this man controlled for a very long time. The fact that he would allow his wife to be in the freezer in the very home that they lived in for four years is horrific," said Ashley Rich, Mobile Assistant District Attorney.

"The evil of the worst kind," Rich called Hopkins.

She said that's because he hid behind the Bible to commit and justify his crimes.

"He taught his children things about the Bible that aren't true to help get away with the crimes he committed and that's horrific and that left the greatest impression on the judge that came out of the trial," Rich added.

Hopkins did admit in front of a jury what he did with his wife's body after she died, but Hopkins' attorney, Jeff Deen said his client still contends that he doesn't know how she died.

"There's evidence in the trial that it could've been by natural causes, and it needs to be explored on appeal," Deen said.

Hopkins was also found guilty of incest, sodomy, and sexual abuse.

Deen has suggested that instead of sending Hopkins to prison, he should be admitted to a hospital for treatment of a lung condition.

The two oldest children from the Hopkins home have their own apartments, and jobs. The younger kids are living with their grandparents in Georgia.