A heartbreaking case has reached a conclusion after Ronald Purnell was sentenced to 35 years in prison on July 19.

In March, Purnell was

in the death of his infant son, Michael.

Michael was a month old when he was found unresponsive on June 29. He was taken to the UVA Medical Center, where he died of his injuries the next day.

A preliminary medical examination found trauma to Michael's skull and a later autopsy discovered the baby's ribs had been fractured as well. Prosecutors in Purnell's trial argued the wounds were malicious and brutal, and the child had been a complication in Ronald's life that he found a way to get rid of when the child's mother left him in Ronald's care.

According to testimony provided in the courtroom, Ronald also waited ten minutes from the child being unresponsive before calling 911 to get help.

However, friends and family of Purnell testified that he was a hard-working, peaceful man who loved kids and was a mentor to many throughout his life.

During his turn on the stand, he testified that he loved Michael and lives with his loss every day. He denied doing anything to hurt his son.

Purnell was charged with second degree murder

.

After three hours of deliberation, jurors convicted him in March of 2018.

They recommended a 35-year sentence, which the judge upheld. Three years of that time were suspended. Purnell will also serve three years of supervised probation after he is released.

Alisha Robinson, Michael's mother, spoke in the courtroom on the day of Purnell's sentencing. She told WHSV that she was nervous for the sentence.

"Maybe the judge wouldn't go with what the jury said," Robinson said. "But then when the judge did, it was the most amazing feeling ever."

Robinson added that the day was bittersweet for her, and called Michael her rainbow baby. She said it was difficult to listen to Purnell speak in court.

"Just to hear him talk about our child, and how he loved him was disgusting to me; very, very disgusting to me."