Essa, 41, was found guilty last week of poisoning his wife with cynaide. Rosemarie died in 2005.

Her parents spoke in court during the sentencing.

"What do you say to the man who murdered the mother of his children?" Rosemarie's mother said. "Seven weeks of looking at the devil in his eyes and a blank expression."

The judge told Essa that his lack of remorse is "unreal."

During the trial, prosecutors said Essa committed murder to escape a loveless marriage and live with his mistress.

Essa was an emergency room doctor in Akron and fled to Lebanon after his wife's death. He gave up an extradition fight and was returned from Cyprus to Ohio last year.

Essa's attorney's plan to appeal the conviction.

PREVIOUS STORIES:

March 5, 2010 - Cleveland Doctor Found Guilty Of Murder
March 4, 2010 - Cynanide Case Still In Jury's Hands
February 24, 2010 - Accused Cleveland Doctor Does Not Testify
January 25, 2010 - Different Images Given At Start of Trial

©2010 By ONN. WEWS-TV in Cleveland contributed to this report.