Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Thursday, July 24, 2008

Man convicted of killing Miller exec gets life

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A man convicted for the killing and robbery of a Miller Brewing Co. executive last winter was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without possibility of parole.

Also, a man who claimed he was the lookout was sentenced to 21 years in prison and nine years of extended supervision.

Last month a jury found Miguel Ayala, 21, guilty of being party to first-degree intentional homicide and three counts of armed robbery.

A judge sentenced him to life in prison without eligibility for parole for the homicide charge. Ayala was also sentenced to 25 years concurrent to the homicide sentence for one robbery count and 25 years consecutive for the other two robbery counts.

Witnesses said Lodewikus “Vic” Milford, 43, and two co-workers were accosted after leaving a nightspot Jan. 26. Milford had handed over money before he was shot.

Milford was Miller’s director of compensation and benefits. The company said the citizen of South Africa had lived in Milwaukee since taking the job in February 2005.

Two teens also were charged in the case.

Carlos Gonzalez, 17, has pleaded guilty to felony murder-burglary. Gonzalez, who described himself to police as the lookout, was sentenced Wednesday to 21 years in prison and nine years of extended supervision.

A 17-year-old girl who drove the get-away car had her case transferred to juvenile court. Her case has been sealed.

All three gave confessions, which prosecutors cited in the trial. Ayala’s lawyers contended he was framed by the other two.

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