If it weren’t for reality TV, a convicted killer could still be on the loose.

Jamal Rashead Trulove, a former contestant on the VH1 reality series I Love New York 2, was sentenced Friday to 50 years to life after being convicted of murdering a man he called his best friend.

Seu Kuka, 28, was gunned down in a California housing project in July, 2007, in front of dozens of eyewitnesses. According to news reports, police had been looking for Trulove for months after the murder, and finally located him after a witness saw the 29-year-old on the reality dating show vying for the heart of Tiffany “New York” Pollard.

Trulove — who was given the nickname “Milliown” by Pollard — was found guilty of first-degree murder and weapons charges in February. An eyewitness came forward at trial and testified that she recognized Trulove from the night of the incident, as well as from the TV show.

Trulove was ousted after the first episode of I Love New York, during which he started fight with another man over Pollard.

He maintains his innocence in the killing.