Blemke sentenced to 20-40 years in prison

The Ishpeming man charged with second degree murder will serve 20 to 40 years in prison.

25-year-old Derek Blemke was sentenced Monday morning in Marquette County Circuit Court. In August, Blemke pleaded no contest to second-degree murder. He is accused of stabbing and killing 21-year-old Brandon Allen LaFavre in June 2016 at a Marquette apartment on Wright Street.

According to the autopsy report, the victim suffered 24 knife wounds.

The victim’s family members gave emotional statements to the court.

Chief Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Mazzuchi addressed the family, hoping the court’s decision provides some measure of closure.

“I'm hopeful that, though the loss never ends, it will continue, I wish that the family can find some peace and healing as they move on from this terribly devastating situation,” Judge Mazzuchi said.

Blemke did receive credit for 479 days already served. Mandatory restitution was also ordered.