Jury recommends life for rapist

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - A Chesapeake man will likely remain behind bars for the rest of his life. Christopher Minifee, 30, was convicted of rape Friday and a jury recommended a sentence of life plus 119 years.

The Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney's Office was able to prove that Minifee committed the crime, which occurred on September 12, 2009. The victim was sitting on her front porch near 80th Street and Atlantic Avenue at the Oceanfront, when Minifee pointed a gun at her and demanded money. When she said she didn't have any, he dragged the woman to the back yard where he raped her, cut her with a knife or razor and threatened to kill her if she told anyone about the crime.

DNA evidence linked Minifee to the crime and police arrested him on September 16.

Minifee will be formally sentenced on September 27, 2010 in the Virginia Beach Circuit Court.

Police said the DNA also linked Minifee to a rape in August. He will be tried separately for that crime. The court date has not been set.