Convicted killer Allen Prue was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday for the murder of Vermont teacher Melissa Jenkins.

Prue, together with his wife Patricia, was accused of beating and strangling 32-year-old Jenkins to death in 2012 when she was lured from her home by the couple at the pretext of getting help for their broken-down vehicle.

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He was convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy and kidnapping last October. Patricia is awaiting trial.

Addressing Jenkins' family before sentencing, Prue said he felt terrible for what happened but claimed he was innocent and blamed his wife for the murder of the St. Johnsbury Academy teacher."The one thing I am guilty of is bringing the person who committed this crime to Vermont, and for that, I'm truly sorry," said Prue.

Judge Robert Bent disagreed saying Prue's role was not minor and described the couple as "a pair hunting their prey." According to a prosecutor, Prue said he and his wife kidnapped Jenkins because they "wanted somebody they could play with."

But because Prue had no previous record prior to the crime, Bent turned down a request by the prosecution that he should have no chance at parole.

The defense tried to paint Prue as dimwitted because of a dysfunctional upbringing and was incapable of planning such a crime. Prosecutors believe the murder was months in the making requiring a stun gun and a prepaid cellphone. It was also discovered that Patricia's computer was used for online searches on "how to kidnap a girl."

The car of Jenkins, a single mother, was found idling on a rural road with her 2-year-old son inside. Her body was found a day later in the Connecticut River.

A card for the Prues' snowplowing business was found in her home and a friend of the victim told police how Jenkins had told her of the unusual call she got from the Prues about their broken-down vehicle.