Palatine man's murderer given 85 years

An Indiana man was sentenced to 85 years in prison Wednesday for stabbing a Palatine resident to death in 2005.

James Santelli, a 45-year-old carpenter, was in suburban Indianapolis on business when he was murdered in a Super 8 Motel room.

Authorities say he was stabbed several times in the neck and upper chest.

His body was found in the motel room bathtub with part of a wooden hanger lodged in his neck.

His wallet was missing and so was his blue pickup, which was later found.

Joseph A. Pryor, 27, of Indianapolis was arrested for the crimes 10 days later.

He was sentenced in a Marion County, Ind., courthouse Wednesday to 65 years in prison for the killing and 20 for the robbery.

Santelli was inspecting the installation of new windows at a local high school in the suburb of Speedway, home to the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

His father is Frank Santelli, well-known in the Arlington Heights area because he was principal of several local elementary schools.