For his crime, for his lie, Antione Hood is headed to life in prison.

The 31-year-old Lithonia man was sentenced Monday to life without parole in the murder of his fiancee, an elementary school teacher. He claimed after shooting her that she had committed suicide, the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office said.

In handing down the sentence, Judge Tangela Barrie added five additional years in prison to Hood's life stint. Hood was convicted last month.

District Attorney Robert James said he hopes the result of the case sends a "message" against domestic violence in DeKalb.

"Antione Hood shot his girlfriend when he couldn't have her. And rather than calling for help, he lied about how she died to save himself," James said in a news release.

Candace McGriff, 28, who taught at C.J. Hicks Elementary School in Conyers, died on Feb. 17, 2015, at a home in Lithonia.

Hood dialed 911 and told the suicide story, then directed police to the body.

"We hope this (sentence) brings some semblance of closure to Candace McGriff's family and loved ones," the DA said.

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