A Tennessee man convicted in December of killing his wife while they were on their honeymoon in Fiji has been sentenced to life in prison.

Bradley Robert Dawson, 40, won’t be eligible for release until he’s served at least 18 years, The Associated Press reported.

Dawson pleaded not guilty in the death of Christe Chen, 36, who was found in August 2022, beaten to death in the couple’s bungalow at the exclusive Turtle Island resort after they were seen arguing during a party the night before, as CrimeOnline previously reported. Dawson was later found on another island, where he fled by kayak, carrying $1,000 cash in his wallet, his passport, driver’s license, and credit cards belonging to both himself and his wife.

Chen was Memphis pharmacist in Memphis while Dawson worked in information technology.

Dawson was convicted after an 8-day trial late last year, according to the AP. Justice Riyaz Hamza, who oversaw the trial, sentenced him on Wednesday.

“Your conduct after the incident was appalling. Having inflicted serious and life-threatening injuries to the deceased you fled the scene of the crime, leaving the deceased alone and helpless,” Hamza said.