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Donald Blom will be sentenced today for kidnapping and murdering Katie Poirier. He now faces a life sentence without the possibility of parole. The sentencing comes just one day after a jury found him guilty. Minnesota Stephanie Hemphill reports on events at the courthouse in Virginia Wednesday. The St Louis County courtroom was packed, and the tension evident after five weeks of difficult and emotional testimony. Judge Gary Pagliacetti sternly warned against any outbursts regardless of the verdict. But when the crowd heard the word "guilty," a collective gasp of relief and satisfaction broke out. Defense attorney Rodney Brodin asked for a poll of the jury, and as each juror was called by name, they said yes, that is my verdict. Throughout Donald Blom was still, his hands clasped on the table in front of him, no emotion on his face. Katie Poirier's mother, Pam Poirier, sobbed silently and curled against her son Patrick. Outside, there were tears, grins and hugs, and people applauded as the Poirier family walked out of the courthouse for the last time.

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Digitization made possible by the State of Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, approved by voters in 2008.

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