The family of Philip Rabadi was glad to speak face-to-face with his killer, according to prosecutors in the Jacob Klein trial.

Klein was sentenced Friday to 25 years to life in prison for the April 2022 murder of Philip Rabadi. He was convicted last October.

Klein is the ex-boyfriend of Elana Radin, Rabadi’s widow.

“This has been a long, long process for them, a very difficult process. Having an opportunity to get together and really celebrate Phil’s memory was what I think they all really appreciated and needed,” said Assistant District Attorney Jessica Blain-Lewis. “To have an opportunity to face the individual who has created such pain for them was a moment that I think they all really appreciated having, but it was also a really difficult thing to do.”

Several people at the sentencing gave victim impact statements, including Rabadi’s parents and brother, who read their statements in person, and Rabadi’s sister, whose statement was read by Blain-Lewis.

“I think they were heartfelt, and I think it was something that the family needed to have an opportunity to do,” Blain-Lewis said.

However, Rabadi’s wife, Elana Radin, chose not to give a public statement, and wasn’t at the sentencing.

“I will not be commenting on Ms. Radin’s decision. I’m respecting her privacy,” said Blain-Lewis, when asked about that.

Prosecutors claim Klein’s goal was to inflict maximum pain on Radin, and then make her testify.

“What can he do to inflict maximum pain and then make her testify and be subject to him again,” Deputy Chief ADA Cheryl Fowler said.

Klein chose to represent himself at trial.

Blain-Lewis acknowledged that caused some extra challenges in this case.

“You become very cognizant of particular legal issues, as it relates to the defendant as opposed to just the people,” said Blain. “You are also very aware of the fact that the person who is acting as their own attorney is not formally trained.”

“You certainly don’t want the jury to feel less desirous of listening to their voice just because of that fact. You really must treat them at the same exact level of someone who is formally trained and someone who is educated,” she added.

Every defendant is given an opportunity to speak at their own sentencing. They can refuse if they want. Klein gave a very brief statement.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I hope this sentencing proceeding will give them some peace,” he said.

As he was walking out of the room, the family said: “You piece of s–t!”

“It’s clearly his decision, his choice to do so,” said Blain-Lewis about Klein choosing to give a statement at all. “What he chose to say was not something I think the family appreciated.”

Klein has 10 days to file an appeal.