65-year-old Peter Hartman was a much-loved father, son, brother and math instructor at Pierce College.

"Peter was a most brilliant, very empathetic person," said Hartman's brother John Hartman. "He would care about everyone."

He cared about LeBovick. They lived together for 15 years. She told detectives that she cared so much for him that when she got depressed and wanted to take her own life, she thought he would want the same.

She shot him in the head while he slept and then set fire to their Tacoma house in hopes of committing suicide back in March. But firefighters rushed in before that could happen.

Hartman's mother Helen was rocked by the tragedy. But instead of asking for the harshest penalty, Helen wants leniency.

"If possible I would like to see her and talk with her and let her know that I have only forgiveness in my heart for her," Helen Hartman told the judge.

LeBovick was in tears.

"Please relay to Nancy my love and deep concern and care," Helen added.

Other family members aren't as compassionate. Peter Hartman’s son Jay says, "Nancy's choice to shoot Peter, who trusted her, while Peter was asleep at his most vulnerable is the most sickening act of betrayal and cowardice I have ever encountered in my whole life."

As for LeBovick, she had nothing to say on her own behalf. She was led away after the judge sentenced her to 31 years in prison.

LeBovick had been charged with attempted murder for turning the gun on firefighters and pulling the trigger. The gun was empty. That charge was dropped for Monday's plea agreement.

It's a tragedy that has happened all too often. Monday, the city of Lakewood opened a three-day tribute to all victims of domestic violence murder.

To show the enormity of the problem, 321 U.S. flags are flying next to Lakewood City Hall in a ‘Healing Field’. Each flag represents the number of domestic violence deaths in this state in the last eight years.

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March 9, 2005 -- Earlier Story From KOMOtv.com