Sentence handed down in birthday slaying trial

UKIAH — A Potter Valley man was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison Thursday during an emotional hearing attended by more than 40 of his slain girlfriend’s family and friends.

Caleb Flitcroft, shackled and in an orange jumpsuit, sat with his head bowed during the sentencing hearing as Brittany Syfert’s family asked Judge Ron Brown to impose the maximum sentence.

“No amount of time he will spend in jail will bring her back to life,” said Syfert’s mother, Kim Fanucchi. But “it will make me feel better to know Caleb never has a life outside prison.”

Flitcroft was convicted in August of second-degree murder for gunning down Syfert at a celebration of her 20th birthday.

He also was convicted of second-degree attempted voluntary manslaughter for wounding another person attending the party, Rudy Flores.

Syfert, 19, was shot five time and Flores was grazed by a bullet when Flitcroft, reportedly intoxicated and in a jealous rage, opened fire.