An Islamic State member is sentenced to life in prison in the deaths of hostages

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — British national El Shafee Elsheikh was sentenced to life in prison Friday for his role in an Islamic State scheme that took roughly two dozen Westerners hostage a decade ago.

El Shafee Elsheikh has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in the deaths of four U.S. hostages captured by the Islamic State. (Alexandria Sheriff's Office via AP, File)

Elsheikh's hostages gave him a somewhat whimsical nickname — he was dubbed a "Beatle" along with other English-accented captors — but the moniker belied the viciousness of his conduct.