Idaho Man Gets Jail Time for Beating Zoo Monkey to Death

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho man convicted of breaking into a Boise zoo and brutally beating to death a Patas monkey will spend up to a year in state prison, where he'll take part in a treatment program.

A state judge sentenced 22-year-old Michael Watkins on Thursday for his role in the Nov. 17 crime that caused shock and outrage in Idaho's capitol city and beyond. Watkins gave a brief statement before sentencing, apologizing for his actions. Fourth District Judge Lynn G. Norton rejected defense attorney requests for probation.

Instead, Norton said she wanted to impose a punishment fitting the crime that still enables Watkins to turn his life around. Watkins was convicted of felony grand theft and animal cruelty, a misdemeanor in Idaho. The judge will revisit sentencing after Watkins completes treatment.