EDGARD — The last five-plus years have been a whirlwind for LaPlace Feed & Supply owner Connie Finckbeiner, survivor of the February 25, 2014 attack that claimed the life of her husband, Steve Finckbeiner.

Connie sat in the Edgard Courthouse once again May 30, as convicted gunman Charles McQuarter III was sentenced to life in prison at hard labor without the benefit of parole, probation or suspension of sentence for second-degree murder.

The life sentence came in addition to 99 years without benefits for armed robbery with a firearm, to be served concurrently.

Days before the sentencing, Connie was recognized with a plaque at the CRIMEFIGHTERS of Louisiana LaPlace meeting for her role as an outstanding executive board member.

District Attorney Bridget Dinvaut and other criminal justice representatives were present at the May 25 meeting, according to CRIMEFIGHTERS representative Nolan Boutte, who said a good turnout of guests showed support for River Parishes victims.

Boutte said the organization gives Connie and other violent crime victims an outlet to vent frustrations. He is thankful to have been by her side during the long and complicated road to trial.

CRIMEFIGHTERS representatives have expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the trial, though Boutte is hopeful the sentencing will send a message.

“Being in CRIMEFIGHTERS, we represent the victims,” Boutte said. “The sentencing should be a deterrent to make other young people make the choice not to commit the crime. I do hope it’s a true sentencing. If it’s life in prison or life without parole, that’s the way it should stay.”

McQuarter, 27, was convicted 11-1 of both charges March 28 at the conclusion of a four-day homicide trial that saw participation from numerous current and former members of the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Since the homicide occurred prior to Jan. 1, 2019, a new Louisiana law requiring a unanimous jury to convict did not apply.

McQuarter was represented by attorney Lisa Parker of the St. John the Baptist Parish Public Defender Office.

Connie suffered a gunshot to the face during the February 2014 attack. She took the stand twice during the trial and identified McQuarter as the gunman who killed her husband and left her bleeding on the floor.

Prosecuting attorney Lea Hall Jr. said a multiple offender bill enhanced sentencing on McQuarter’s armed robbery with a firearm conviction.

“The multiple offender bill increases the minimum penalty to one half of the longest penalty, and increases the maximum penalty to double,” Hall said.

Due to his prior offenses, McQuarter’s potential sentence for armed robbery ranged from 49.5 to 198 years imprisonment, as opposed to the 10- to 99-year imprisonment for first-time offenders.

“Because it was committed with a firearm, there was a 5-year enhancement,” Hall said. “That was included in the 99 years.”

McQuarter’s sentencing did not mark the end of Connie’s court appointments, however.

A trial date has not come into focus for Dracier Dewey, who Connie alleges was standing outside of the Feed Store when McQuarter shot her and killed her husband.

A status hearing for Dewey, represented by St. John Public Defender Shannon Batiste, is scheduled for 10 a.m. June 19 in LaPlace.