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TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- The judge who led her courtroom in a Super Bowl cheer before a manslaughter sentencing hearing has issued an apology to the victim's family, prosecutors and others in the court.
Pierce County Superior Court Judge Beverly G. Grant had said she was just trying to ease tensions Friday when she asked everyone to say "Go Seahawks" before starting the hearing.
On Monday, after drawing heavy criticism, Grant said she never meant to hurt anyone's feelings and issued the apology.
"I take full responsibility, particularly as it has impacted the Patricelli family, the judiciary system and others," Grant wrote. "I have consistently tried to treat everyone in my court with dignity, fairness and respect ... my sincere regrets to all."
Grant resentenced Steve Keo Teang at the hearing to 13 1/2 years in prison for the shooting death of Tino Patricelli during a fight outside a tavern.
After the hearing, Sheriff's deputies and lawyers said they were embarrassed by the cheer for the Seattle Seahawks, and Patricelli's stepmother, Kathy Patricelli, said she was offended.
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Pierce County Superior Court Judge Beverly G. Grant had said she was just trying to ease tensions Friday when she asked everyone to say "Go Seahawks" before starting the hearing.
On Monday, after drawing heavy criticism, Grant said she never meant to hurt anyone's feelings and issued the apology.
"I take full responsibility, particularly as it has impacted the Patricelli family, the judiciary system and others," Grant wrote. "I have consistently tried to treat everyone in my court with dignity, fairness and respect ... my sincere regrets to all."
After the hearing, Sheriff's deputies and lawyers said they were embarrassed by the cheer for the Seattle Seahawks, and Patricelli's stepmother, Kathy Patricelli, said she was offended.
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