Sentencing Phase Begins in Hit Man Cleveland Clark Trial

Jun 29, 2009 - 11:45
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The sentencing phase of a man convicted of murdering a Union City mother began Monday.

In a 17-minute outburst convicted murdered Cleveland Clark -- while waving papers -- said he was in prison at the time Sparkle Rai was killed and that he was innocent.

Clark was found guilty of murder by a jury Friday. Clark faces the death penalty in the killing of Rai in April 2000.

Prosecutors said Clark strangled 22-year-old Sparkle Rai in front of her baby.

Chiman Rai -- a Mississippi business man bo in India – was sentenced to life in prison without parole last year for masterminding the death of his daughter-in-law.

During the trial, prosecutors argued Chiman Rai believed the 22-year-old woman would bring down the family stock.

Sparkle Rai was found strangled with a vacuum cord and stabbed more than a dozen times weeks after her March 2000 wedding to Rai's son, Ricky Rai.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.