The Limestone woman received a 50-year sentence for the 2001 murder of Tara Bell.

CARIBOU (AP) – A Limestone woman convicted of murdering a Caswell child-care provider has been sentenced to 50 years in prison.

Laura Kirk, 35, stood pale-faced as she was sentenced Friday in Aroostook County Superior Court. Kirk was convicted in June of killing Tara Bell, 27, in Bell’s home in December 2001.

In imposing the sentence, Justice Andrew Mead called Bell’s murder “a simple act of unspeakable violence” that “has left some very deep scars in a close-knit community.”

Family members and friends of the victim wept and stared at Kirk as she left the courtroom. Bell’s mother, Glenda Roy, cried “Not fair, not fair,” about the sentence.

Assistant Attorney General William Stokes had asked for a life sentence, or at least a sentence of 55 to 60 years, citing “significant evidence or premeditation” and the viciousness of the crime.

Defense attorney Peter S. Kelley asked for a sentence at the “lower end of the spectrum” for his client. In Maine, people convicted of murder can receive a minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum life sentence.

During Kirk’s trial, Bell had 18 stab and slash wounds when she was found the morning following the stabbing.

Several family members and friends addressed the court, including Bell’s mother and sister, and Kirk’s mother.

Laura Kirk also addressed the court, saying she would never knowingly commit such a crime, and that she could not remember the events of that night.

“If I could take her (Bell’s) place, I would do so in a heartbeat,” Kirk said.

Kirk will be transferred to the Women’s Correctional Center in Windham. Stokes said if she earns “good time” in prison, she will serve approximately 85 percent of her sentence.

“But she’ll be well into her 70s by the time she’s released,” Stokes said.

Kelley said he might appeal the sentence, but that he needs to talk more with his client.

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