PADUCAH, KY - McCracken Circuit Judge Tim Kaltenbach sentenced 50-year-old Betti Kern on Thursday to 24 years in prison.
 
Kern was found guilty of murder in August, and a jury recommended a 24-year sentence. Kern could have received a maximum of life in prison.
 
Kaltenbach told Kern that she can appeal the conviction. Kern's attorney Dell Pruitt said he will file an appeal and give the case to the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy.
 
Kern admitted to shooting David Griffin several times in the back of the head at her home on Aug. 4, 2011.

Under Kentucky law, Kern must spend 20 years in jail before she is eligible for parole.

Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Raymond McGee told the Paducah Sun that he is satisfied with the sentence.