sentences:  Obara has maintained his innocence, claiming the drugs that caused her to die were voluntarily self-administered.In October 2000, Obara was charged with drugging, raping and killing Blackman, as well as with raping eight other women and the manslaughter of Ridgway.His trial began on July 4, 2001, and on April 24, 2007, he was jailed for life on multiple rape charges and manslaughter, but was acquitted of Blackman's rape and murder due to a lack of direct evidence.