Jaylynn Namauu's family has yet to bury her 1 1/2 years after her murder because her mother is not able to emotionally let go of her, Namauu's sister Valerie told her sibling's killer in state court yesterday.

A state judge sentenced Joel C. Allen, 65, to the mandatory life prison term with the possibility for parole yesterday for fatally stabbing Namauu on July 17, 2008.

The state says Allen killed Namauu during a lovers' spat in Allen's car under the Keeaumoku Street overpass.

Namauu was a transgender female whose legal first name is Jason.

Allen's lawyer said during the murder trial last year that his client stabbed Namauu in self-defense after Namauu demanded money from him to buy drugs and attacked him. The lawyer also said Allen denies having a romantic relationship with Namauu.

Bystanders at nearby Cartwright Neighborhood Park witnessed the attack, intervened and followed Allen until police arrived.