The killer of Lakeview souvenir-shop owner Forest Cowley was sentenced to 18 years in prison, Windy City Times has learned.

In June, Richard DiMatteo, a suspect in the 2004 death of Lakeview resident Cowley, was found guilty of second-degree murder in a bench trial, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.

Cowley's decomposed body was discovered June 29, 2004, in his apartment at 638 W. Cornelia. The victim died of blunt force trauma.