Andrew Conley

Update posted at 11:40 a.m.:

Andrew Conley apologized in Ohio Circuit Court today for killing his 10-year-old brother.

The 18-year-old who faces up to life in prison was called to testify on his own behalf during the fifth day of sentencing hearings for his murder conviction.

In a prepared statement, Conley stated he is sorry for killing his little brother and will never forget him.

Conley also apologized to his mother and father as well as the Ohio County community.

The teen said he had no idea how the murder happened and he wishes every day that he could change what occurred.

Conley said he will accept the sentence handed down by the judge and plans to obtain a college degree in history or astrology while in prison.

Testimony in the sentencing hearings may wrap up Tuesday.

Original story posted at 7:17 a.m.:

(Rising Sun, Ind.) - The fifth day of testimony will begin Tuesday morning in the sentencing hearing of Andrew Conley.

The 18-year-old from Rising Sun pleaded guilty to murdering his 10-year-old brother Conner in November 2009.  Andrew, then age 17, told investigators he spent 20 minutes using his hands to strangle his sibling.

Conley pleaded guilty to the murder charge last week as a jury trial was about to begin.

Prosecutors want the teen killer to spend life in prison, but Conley’s defense is seeking a lighter sentence.

On Monday, the defense had Conley’s grandmother testify on his behalf.

Both sides are expected to make their final arguments to Ohio Circuit Court Judge James H. Humphrey on Tuesday.

The judge will then consider the evidence in handing down a sentence, a process that usually takes about one week but perhaps longer in this case considering all the facts presented to him during five days of testimony.

Humphrey has up to 30 days to return a sentence.