The man convicted of killing an OIympia grandmother in 2016 was given the maximum prison sentence Monday. James Stidd received a sentence just over 41 years for the murder of Gail Doyle.
Doyle disappeared June 2, 2016. She was last seen at an Olympia tavern arguing with Stidd, a longtime friend.
Prosecutors charged Stidd with Doyle’s murder after police said they found her blood and hair in the garage of Stidd’s Thurston County home.
A jury convicted Stidd earlier this year.
Doyle’s daughter, Laci Doyle, is relieved Stidd got the maximum sentence but said the family wants more.
"Nothing can give us closure, except for putting her to rest," said Doyle.
Doyle said the family has not held a memorial for her. They routinely go on searches looking for her mother’s remains.
Before Thurston County Judge Carol Murphy sentenced Stidd, he had a chance to speak to the judge and the courtroom full of Doyle’s friends and family.
“I’m sorry for their loss,” said Stidd, “I did not harm Gail Doyle.”
As part of Stidd’s sentence, he is barred from contacting any of Doyle’s relatives.
However, Laci Doyle requested Stidd have permission to contact her in case he decides to tell her where Doyle’s remains are.
“Inside he knows what he did,” said Laci Doyle. “He knows where she is… you know what you did.”
