WILKES-BARRE -- Less than two hours after Hugo Selenski's life sentence was announced, Selenski granted his first interview with Newswatch 16.
Inside a room at the Luzerne County prison, the convicted double murderer emphasized his innocence.
"As far as the verdict, it's hard to say I respect the verdict," said Selenski. "I'll live with it. I stand by my innocence."
Last week, Selenski was convicted with two counts of first degree murder after the bodies of Michael Kerkowski and Tammy Fassett were found buried in Selenski’s Kingston Township home in 2003.
Since his incarceration in 2003, Selenki detailed how it has been a trying time for Selenski and his family.
"I'm in the hole," he added. "It's a miserable experience. And it's harder for my family."
Looking back at this trial, there are many things Hugo Selenski said he'd do differently. At the top of the list is his decision not to testify.
"[Not testifying] was a glaring mistake. I should have gone on the stand. Somebody [on that jury] was holding out. I believe I could have convinced others had I gotten on the stand."
In his opinion, Selenski explained that the jury went the wrong way thanks to his former partner-in-crime Paul Weakley.
"I have a very unhealthy dislike for Paul Weakley," Selenski told Newswatch 16.
Selenski believes without Weakley's testimony, he would have been acquitted.
Throughout both trials, Selenski tells Newswatch 16 he was misrepresented.
"I'm portrayed as a vicious villain and that's wrong. I have people who love me. I'm not a monster. I'm fighting for my life and I'm going to continue fighting."
At the end of the conversation, Selenski reiterated his innocence. When asked how the bodies of Tammy Fassett, Michael Kerkowski, and three others ended up in his property, he said, "That's a question I'd like an answer to."
Selenski will be formally sentenced March 27.