SOUTH SALT LAKE — The man who pleaded guilty to murdering a Utah woman in 2010 was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without parole.
Adam Durborow pleaded guilty last October to aggravated murder in the death of Sherry Black.
Black was found beaten and stabbed to death on Nov. 30, 2010 in her family-owned bookstore in South Salt Lake. As the case went cold for years, Black's family offered rewards of up to $250,000 for tips and started a foundation to help keep attention on the case.
In October 2020, investigators matched the DNA evidence left behind at the crime scene to Durborow, who was 19 years old at the time of the murder.
During Wednesday's sentencing hearing, members of Black's family spoke about her and how life has been since her murder. The husband of Black's granddaughter said Sherry was "part of their love story" and that the family was better with her.
Following the sentencing, Black's family shared a statement thanking the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office, along with a message on her legacy.
"Although he took her life, he could not take her soul, which lives on and is part of the love, beauty, kindness and talents that her husband, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will carry forward. Her legacy is a gift to future generations. The life she led and the influence she had can never be taken away and will always have a positive impact on our family, countless friends and the community.
"Sherry's love is unending."
Prosecutors argued that Durborow should receive a sentence of life without the possibility of parole as they said the attack was unprovoked.
“This was not only a crime against a family, but also our community. Today a measure of justice was found. It is imperfect but the best our system can do,” said District Attorney Sim Gill. “Our prayers are with the Black and Miller families. Justice would be that they never had to suffer the loss of a loved one to begin with.”
