SHAKOPEE, Minn. (KMSP) -
Tuesday marks the first full day of Amy Senser's nearly three and-a-half year prison sentence in Shakopee, Minn. Prior to her sentence, she had victim Anousone Phanthavong's name tattooed on her wrist to serve as a permanent reminder of what she did.
While she had no prior criminal record, Senser is now just an inmate with a number like everybody else in the Shakopee facility. She won't be part of a chain gang, working in ditches in the hot sun, but corrections officials tell us this place isn't a country club.
Senser's lawyer said she knew before sentencing that she was going to be coming here. Corrections officers took Senser into custody -- without handcuffs -- right after Monday morning's sentencing.
Upon arrival in Shakopee she was processed, photographed, searched and given new prison-issue clothes.
From there, she'll spend a few days in an orientation unit learning how prison works, and what her days will be like: waking up early, going to work or class, getting a little exercise and then going to bed.
It's a process she'll repeat every day for at least the next two years and three months before she's eligible for release.
It may not sound too rough, but the warden says despite the fact it may not have guard towers and barbed wire, this place is a prison.
Senser will be able to have scheduled visits with family and friends. But even those are highly-controlled, with a quick greeting and hug.
The earliest she'll be eligible for release -- with good behavior -- is October of 2014. After the ruling Senser opened up to Phantavong's family, apologizing for the life she took.
Before Senser left the courtroom, she spent several minutes apologizing and embracing the family of the man she killed.
