NEW YORK (AP) — Two brothers have been sentenced for the murder of a Harlem man who was repeatedly stabbed with a fork.

Ralph and Keith Stokes were sentenced Thursday to a prison term of 25 years to life in the death of 48-year-old Charles Romo.

Prosecutors say the victim was found with his feet bound with a dog leash and a belt and his face covered with packing tape.

State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan said imposing the maximum sentence was easy. He said he had never seen two defendants "so completely bereft of redeeming qualities."

Romo was openly gay and an unemployed digital marketer on disability.

The New York Times (http://nyti.ms/1ucwPJg ) says Keith Stokes apologized to Romo's family before the sentencing, but said he was innocent.