Man found guilty of Bonita Springs woman’s murder sentenced to life

A man found guilty for involvement in the murder of a Bonita Springs woman will spend the rest of his life in prison.

A judge sentenced Cristian Dilan, 23, on Friday for the death of 34-year-old Sarah Nicholson, who was killed in October of 2017, her house lit on fire. Dilan was found guilty in July.

Debra Nicholson, Sarah’s mother, called her daughter an angel.

“She was our life and we were hers,” Debra said during her victim impact statement.

Sarah’s father David Nicholson called the men involved in her murder “godless, soulless animals.”

“This destroyed our lives,” he said. “She had a brilliant life ahead of her. She didn’t hurt anyone.”

Dilan’s own family members were in court to ask for leniency.

Dilan’s sister Mariah Rossaro said Dilan was a father figure in her life and believes he is being unjustly punished because others involved in Nicholson’s death have not been brought to justice.

Lisa Feliciano, Dilan’s godmother, said he did not have an easy life.

“He was a follower as a way to fit in,” Feliciano said, adding that Dilan “made an irresponsible choice with the wrong people.”

But, the “system failed another kid in and out of programs,” Feliciano added.