'Extraordinarily Brutal' Crime Draws 28-Year Term

Johnson was arrested several days later and has been in jail since. She pleaded guilty in December. In court yesterday, Johnson shook her head repeatedly as prosecutor Shweiki outlined the events that led up to the shooting.

Johnson later apologized to Brown and her family. "I am deeply sorry for my actions. I want to apologize to Ms. Brown, her family, the court and society." She later asked Cushenberry for a "fair sentence."

Johnson's court-appointed attorney, Lloyd Nolan, said at an earlier hearing that Johnson had been abused when she was younger and lately had been hearing voices in jail and suffering from severe depression and nightmares.

As the sentence was announced, one of Johnson's aunts tearfully mouthed, "I love you" to Johnson before U.S. marshals escorted her from the courtroom. Johnson's family members declined to speak publicly but disputed various accounts that led to the shooting. They said they wished Johnson had not pleaded guilty.

Brown's family and friends said they hoped the verdict would ease the migraines that Brown has been suffering for the past few days.

With Johnson locked up, Brown said she wants to focus on regaining movement in her arms and legs. She is determined to walk again, her mother said, although doctors have told family members that that is unlikely.

Often, the only noise in Brown's room is the sound of the respirator that helps her breathe. When she needs to call a nurse, Brown presses a remote-control button with her mouth. During the past few weeks, her mood has shifted between anger and depression, her mother, said.

In the meantime, Kimberly Reynolds, Brown's new girlfriend, is coordinating a fundraising effort to help pay medical bills.