New York Daily News

Life for choke killer in B’klyn

- Kerry Burke and Bill Sanderson

A BROOKLYN judge said Monday that sentencing a 34-year-old man to life in prison for barehanded­ly choking his fiancée to death was an easy call.

Rolanso Lexune’s slaying of 27-year-old Deneisha Smith in a back room of a Flatbush cell phone repair shop in October 2016 was captured on video.

“We saw Deneisha’s pain and struggle,” said Justice Jill Konviser.

“Sentencing is usually the most difficult part for a judge,. This time, not so much.”

Lexune will have to serve a minumum 24 years.

“This man should never ever get the chance to be on the street again,” said Althea Dawkins, Smith’s sister. “He has absolutely no remorse . . . Prison is too good for him.” Lexune plans an appeal. “I don’t know why I’m in jail. I’m innocent,” he said.

“He denies culpabilit­y. He maintains his innocence,” said defense lawyer Joshua Horowitz.

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