Bryant Brewer, convicted cop killer, sentenced to life in prison

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A judge sentenced convicted cop killer Bryant Brewer to life in prison on Wednesday.

Brewer was found guilty this summer in the shooting death of Chicago Police Officer Thor Soderberg in 2010. At his trial, Brewer testified that he was proud of being a cop killer.

"It's time for Bryant Brewer to go to prison and leave society," said Brian Sexton, assistant state's attorney.

Calling Brewer a "leach on society", a "menace", a "sociopath" and "soulless", Sexton said Brewer was not mentally ill when he shot and killed Chicago Police Officer Thor Soderberg on July, 7, 2010.

It's been five long years for Soderber's widow, Jennifer Loudon. Before the judge handed down Brewer's life sentence, Loudon gave an emotional statement in court.

"Thor Soderberg was my husband, my best friend, my coach, my cheerleader, my counselor and my confidante. He was the core of my being," Loudon said.

Loudon described her husband as the most giving person she knew. She broke down when she told the court her dreams of having a family with him were gone.

Throughout the two-and-a-half-hour court hearing, Brewer was disruptive. When it was his chance to speak to the judge, he mumbled for several minutes, using swear words and not making sense. His attorney said the display proved his client is mentally ill.

"Mr. Brewer belongs in a hospital. That is our contention, that is still is our contention," said William Wolf, assistant public defender.

Judge Timothy Joyce didn't buy it as he handed down a life plus 115-year sentence for shooting at a civilian and other officers on the day Soderberg was killed.

Following court, Loudon asked everyone to think about others touched by gun violence.

"I also want to use it as an opportunity to remind us how many families have to go through this in Chicago every week, and how much the pain that you see in my eyes and in Thor's family's eyes continues in our city as a whole," Loudon said.

Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez and Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy both attended Brewer's sentencing. Soderberg was among six Chicago police officers killed in 2010.