Family feels justice is served after killer gets life in prison

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — 14 years after their loved one was gunned down, a Union County family said justice has been served.

John Carvalho was sentenced to life in prison Monday for killing George Kastanis in 2000. 

Prosecutors said Carvalho, who worked for Kastanis for years, robbed and shot Kastanis as he was closing his grocery store for the night.  

It took Union County authorities four years before they charged Carvalho with the crime.  They said he confessed to a fellow inmate about the murder.

The family is relieved they can now have closure.

"I'm just glad that he was found guilty and now everyone knows that he did do it," said Nikki Russell, daughter of the victim.

Carvalho was also tried for the same murder last year.  It resulted in a hung jury.

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WSOC