SHERMAN, Tex. -- Accused murderer Michael Kimmel has received a life sentence for a drug charge. A judge handed down an unusually harsh sentence for the crime. We spoke with the prosecutor to find out why.

She says she has never asked for a life sentence for a drug charge in her 17-year career, but says in the case of Michael Kimmel, the punishment fits the crime.

Prosecutors say Kimmel shot and killed Gerry White at the Brooks Manor apartment complex in Sherman back in 2005. Kimmel was on the run for months, even sent a confession letter to KXII-TV before being arrested and charged with murder.

Authorities say Kimmel was a crypts gang member from Fort Worth and came up to Sherman for a drug deal that turned deadly. His drug possession charges were enhanced because the incident was within a drug free zone: across the street from Piner Middle School and a day care.

"He's a very dangerous, violent human being. He's only 23 years of age and he's been in the system since he was 10," says Bobbie
Peterson-Cate, a special contract prosecutor for Grayson County.

Peterson-Cate says Kimmel will be eligible for parole in 30 years. Kimmel is still awaiting his trial for murder. If convicted of that crime as well, he will have to serve any other sentence back-to-back.