Timothy Adarna was sentenced to life in prison this morning for killing his stepfather, Robert Ramos, two years ago in Ewa Beach.

Relatives of Ramos waited in court for Adarna to apologize for his actions or explain them, but he said nothing.

Adarna remained silent as Circuit Judge Michael Town imposed a life sentence with the possibility of parole for the murder and 20 years for a related arson charge.

The two prison sentences will be served simultaneously. Under terms of a plea agreement, both the prosecution and defense agreed that Adarna will not seek parole until he has served at least 20 years behind bars.

Robin Turner, niece of the victim, spoke for Ramos' family after the hearing.

She said the family was "dumbfounded that something like this, in such a gruesome manner, could happen."

She described Ramos, 55, as "a great person."

"We don't have any ill wishes toward anyone, toward Timmy," Turner said. "It's just a loss for everyone."

But she said the Ramos family hoped for an apology and an explanation from Adarna, 23.

"When you accept responsibility but you can't say you're sorry or apologize, that makes it much more difficult," she said.

Adarna was convicted in a jury trial last year of first degree arson for setting fire to the house in which Ramos' body was found. But the jury couldn't reach a verdict on the murder charge.

Adarna pleaded guilty to that charge in January.

Adarna, a Campbell High School graduate and military veteran, has said previously that he didn't remember the circumstances of the crime.

After Adarna pleaded guilty in January to second degree murder, defense lawyer David Hayakawa called the case a "mystifying" one that will apparently never be fully explained.