GLOUCESTER COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — A Gloucester man who pleaded guilty to the murder of his wife’s infant daughter was sentenced Tuesday afternoon to life in prison.

Dennis Chambers, 61, who also severely bludgeoned his wife Corena with a hammer that day in July 2020 at their home Aberdeen Creek Road.

The sentencing was swift, and Chambers apologized for the crimes in court.

“I’m sorry for all I’ve done,” Chambers said from his wheelchair, just before the sentence was pronounced. “I deserve what I’m getting.”

Commonwealth’s Attorney John Dusewicz asked the judge for life in prison for Chambers. Gloucester Presiding Judge Jeffrey Shaw did just that sentencing Chambers to life for the killing of little Emmy Chambers, and another 40 years for the beating of his wife Corena.

Chambers told the judge “I already have one death sentence,” referring to a recent diagnosis of cancer.

Dusewicz said Corena was in a coma for several months, and remains in a long-term care facility. She had to relearn how to talk and walk, two things “Emmy never got to do,” Dusewicz said.

Chambers was 60 at the time of the attack and Corena was 24. He had recently discovered the child was not his, court documents showed.

His defense attorney pointed out that he had no prior criminal history, cooperated with authorities, and had steady employment for 35 years.