The tragic story of Baby Maddox finally came to a close Wednesday morning. The Syracuse man brutally killed his own daughter's life in February is still trying to come to terms with why he did it.

Ryan Lawrence was sentenced to 25 years to life behind bars as part of a plea deal that avoided a trial and included an agreement he would waive his right to appeal.

In between the shakes and the sobs, Morgan Lawrence had one question. Standing eye to eye with her husband and the man who murdered her daughter, she simply wanted to know: Why?

“I'm dumbfounded by the audacity to make such an uneducated decision on behalf of everyone in Maddox's life,” a shaking Morgan Lawrence said. “Anyone of our family members or friends would have gladly taken her from you if you had just told them you felt like you were going to harm her.

Since her daughter's death, a distraught Lawrence says she's struggled with everything from anxiety to depression to even holding a job.

While Ryan Lawrence won't be eligible for parole for 25 years, she already had a message for parole board members.

“He may seem remorseful he may beg and plead he may claim to be changed,” she said, “please don't be fooled. He's a monster and I truly believe he will kill again if given the chance.”

It was a message a mostly unemotional Ryan Lawrence seemed to accept.

“In no way can I justify my actions and there is no one to blame but myself,” he said. “There is no good explanation for such a horrendous crime.”

But why kill his daughter who had miraculously overcome a rare form a cancer? A 21-month-old he described as the most beautiful thing he's ever seen. There were no answers.

“The only thing that can match my love and loss for her now is the dreadful pain and remorse I feel for committing such a terrible crime,” he said. “I'm sorry. I know I can never be sorry enough.”

This case not only impacted those closest to Maddox and the others involved, but struck a nerve in all of Central New York.

The community was invested in bringing "Baby Maddox" -- as many have referred to the 21-month-old – home when an Amber Alert was first issued nine months ago.

That didn't happen and even strangers still feel the loss today.

Just three months shy of her second birthday, Baby Maddox, became Central New York's child.

"She's just adorable,” said Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick. "The fact that she's so beautiful and I think when you add the final element into the mix. She had an extreme rare form of ocular cancer."

When she was missing, strangers set out to search for her on their own and after she was found deceased in Onondaga Creek, they created tributes and memorials.

"This community has truly felt a personal sense of loss by her death. I cannot describe that loss in words,” said Onondaga County Judge Anthony Aloi. "You didn't know her, but you felt that you did."

For those who did the void is immeasurable.

Her grandfather, who Morgan called Baby Maddox's best friend, detailed what has been stolen from him.

"I will miss out on her attending pre-school. I won't be able to take her picture on steps of the school bus on the first day of kindergarten,” Michael Forster said. “I won't hear her recite the alphabet or count to 100."

She had a short time on this earth, but she brought a lifetime of joy.

"I would tickle her every chance I got. Her laugh was so hearty, her smile so big,” he said. “She would look at me with her brown eyes and melt my heart. I miss those days. I feel robbed."

"What was the purpose? What was the purpose in taking this beautiful child's life?” Aloi asked. “There is none."