Reese sentenced to 59 years in prison

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The man convicted of trying to kill an IMPD officer last month learned his sentence in court on Friday.

Judge Lisa Borges sentenced Brian Reese to the maximum of 59 years in prison for attempted murder, resisting law enforcement and carrying a handgun without a license.

"Justice was served and the maximum sentence," IMPD Officer Jason Fishburn said after the sentencing.

Jason’s parents and his wife took the stand during the sentencing hearing telling the judge how Jason's life has changed since the shooting.

"The one thing I wanted to note in this court is how much my son means to me and my good wife and to his angel wife, Tonya," said Dennis Fishburn, Jason's father.

Tonya added, "Well, my world's a little different now. I think you know now is my turn to take care of him and maybe one day it will be his turn to take care of me and I think we just lean on each other and find strength in each other and just look at what we do have."

The most gripping testimony came from Jason who described what he can no longer do such as run or hike. He paused and became very emotional when asked by a deputy prosecutor about how he loved being a police officer.

The defense called their own character witnesses and for the first time 24-Hour News 8 learned more about Brian Reese's three children: a son and two daughters.

The girls took the stand but when the judge handed down her sentence Judge Borges looked at Reese's children and told them their dad's choices had consequences and she's sorry for their loss and with that she handed down a 59 year sentence.

"I'm glad it's over but it's still a sad day because his actions that day affect our lives and it affects his family's lives and so there really is no win in this But we're just happy to be here together and to move on," said Tonya.

Brian Reese said he will appeal the sentence.