Jeffrey Pyne senteced to 20 to 60 years in prison for 2011 murder of his mother

(WXYZ) - With family members pleading for leniency and still maintaining his innocence, Jeffrey Pyne was sentenced for 2nd degree murder in the death of his mother.

However, both the pleas of his family and his own claim of innocence did not sway the judge, who sentenced Pyne to 20 to 60 years in prison.

Pyne was given credit for 476 days spent in jail.

In imposing the sentence, the judge did cite Pyne's high academic record and his enrollment at the University of Michigan. He said that the law holds him to the same standards, despite his enormous opportunities.

Pyne was found guilty of second-degree murder last month. He faced up to life in prison, with a chance of parole during today's hearing.

A jury convicted the 22-year-old Pyne of killing 51-year-old Ruth Pyne in May of 2011. She was found beaten and stabbed in the garage of the family's Highland Township home.

Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Leo Bowman gave the jury the options of first-degree murder, second-degree murder and not guilty.

A first-degree conviction would have carried mandatory life in prison without parole.