MILWAUKEE-Joel Cain was sentenced today to life in prison without the possibility for parole for the brutal murder of Coop's Tiny Tap bartender Pam Roberts.

 

The 38-year-old Cain, who was a regular at the west side tavern, was identified on security tape entering Coop's wearing a hooded sweatshirt and bandanna over his face in February of 2008. 

 

Cain was convicted last summer of repeatedly hitting Roberts in the head with a hatchet from behind as she went into the basement.

 

Before the sentencing, Roberts' husband, brother, and son addressed the court. 

 

Thomas Roberts said Cain's "actions took and destroyed that life during the commission of a crime because she (Pam) knew who he was.  He butchered her for nothing."

 

Roberts' son Eric Dulay told Cain, "you are an evil man and I hope you absolutely rot in hell for your actions."

 

Roberts' family, the prosecutor and judge described Cain as a cold-blooded killer who deceived a woman who trusted him, then butchered and robbed her to support his cocaine habit.

 

When asked if he wanted to address the court before sentencing, Cain replied, "no."

 

His attorney says he plans to appeal the sentencing.

 

CBS 58's Mike Strehlow will have a complete report coming up on the CBS 58 News at 5:00.