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W. Penn man's killer sentenced

It was about a year ago that a cellphone, $54 and a pair of sneakers cost an easygoing West Penn Township man his life.

Now, his killer faces most of his own life behind bars.Schuylkill County Judge James Goodman on Thursday sentenced Ethan Sullivan, 21, of St. Clair, to 30 to 60 years in state prison on charges of third-degree murder, aggravated assault, and robbery in the June 22, 2014, death of Jason "Jay" Hahn, 22.Sullivan pleaded guilty to the charges.Assistant District Attorney John Fegley prosecuted the case. Sullivan was represented by public defender Paul G. Domalakes."It was the sentence we negotiated for under the circumstances," Fegley said. "I hope it brings closure to the victim's family, and that they were able to get a little bit of finality from the process."Hahn's friends and family last saw him on the weekend of June 14, when he left the house with a friend.Later, Sullivan would tell them he had dropped Hahn off near Mary D or New Philadelphia.But, Hahn's friends said, Sullivan's stories kept changing.Trooper Edward Lizewski of Frackville said Hahn's body was found at around 5 p.m. June 21 in a wooded area along Silver Creek Road in Blythe Township, about one-and-one-half miles from New Philadelphia.According to court documents, Sullivan drove to where Hahn was staying at 557 Blue Mountain Road at about 1 a.m. June 15. He and Hahn talked, then left in a Jeep Sullivan was driving.They ended up in Blythe Township, where Sullivan took a metal bar from the Jeep and struck Hahn in the head several times, police said.When Hahn collapsed, Sullivan stole $54, Hahn's ID and several other cards from his wallet.He also removed the battery from Hahn's cellphone, and took his sneakers.He wrapped Hahn in a blue tarp, and tossed his body down an embankment.Sullivan put several logs on top of the tarp, and tried to burn the Jeep before fleeing.Hahn's body was found by people riding an all-terrain vehicle.State police interviewed Sullivan, already in Schuylkill County jail on burglary charges, later that day, and he confessed, but has never given a reason for his actions.

Sullivan