Judge sentences Brooksville man to 30 years in death of his wife
BROOKSVILLE – One month after a jury found Alan Osterhoudt guilty of manslaughter in the death of his wife, Judge Anthony Tatti sentenced him to 30 years in prison.
Prosecutors were seeking a second-degree murder charge against Osterhoudt, 63.
On the night of Feb. 25, 2012, Osterhoudt called 911 and told a dispatcher he had shot his wife Maria Osterhoudt, 65, at their 7190 Raymond Place home in Spring Hill.
“I am afraid I have done the most heinous thing that I have ever done in my life,” Osterhoudt said on the call.
During the trial, Osterhoudt’s attorneys said their client believed his wife was an intruder, and shot his wife while investigating.
Before sentencing, Kenneth Foote asked Tatti for a new trial, saying Osterhoudt’s right to remain silent was violated when a state’s witness told jurors she would have liked to have spoken with Osterhoudt the night of the murder.
Foote also said jurors should have heard about a toxicology report that showed Maria Osterhoudt had a .09 blood alcohol level, as well as Valium and Xanax in her system.
“This marriage should have never happened,” Sylvia Clark, Maria Osterhoudt’s sister, said during a fiery statement to the court during the sentencing hearing.
Clark said Alan Osterhoudt was a “mean drunk,” and “envious” of his wife’s accomplishments.
Maria Osterhoudt, a professor who taught computer science at St. Petersburg College in Tarpon Springs, was just four months away from retiring at the time of her death. Family and friends remember her as a lifelong learner, active member in her church and creative and giving person.
“I hope you get the maximum and live to survive it,” said Clark, turning to look at Osterhoudt, who was dressed in an orange inmate outfit. “I’m sorry but you’ve got to pay.”
Alan Osterhoudt addressed the court, as did his brother, Michael Osterhoudt.
“My life is over, I knew that,” Osterhoudt said. “But I did not mean to do this. I am not a monster.”
Tatti, without any comment, sentenced Osterhoudt to 30 years in prison and ordered him to pay about $5,000 in restitution to Raymond Carter, Maria Osterhoudt’s son.
After the hearing, Carter said he was “very glad” the proceedings were over.
“I know what she (Sylvia Clark) said touched the judge,” Carter said. He listened. I can sleep tonight.”
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