A Wisconsin teenager has been handed a prison sentence after pleading guilty to shooting his cousin, Javier Rodriguez, in a harrowing incident that has left a family shattered.
The tragic event unfolded when the teen, whose identity has not been disclosed due to legal reasons, admitted to firing the fatal shot during an altercation. The court heard emotional testimonies from family members, who described the devastating impact of the incident.
Prosecutors argued that the shooting was not premeditated but stemmed from a heated argument that spiralled out of control. The defence highlighted the teen's remorse and cooperation with authorities, pleading for leniency.
In delivering the sentence, the judge emphasised the need for accountability while acknowledging the complex circumstances surrounding the case. The teen will serve his sentence in a juvenile facility, with the possibility of parole after a set period.
Family members of both the victim and the perpetrator expressed their grief outside the courtroom, calling for an end to gun violence among young people.
