John Henry Spooner, a 76-year-old white man who shot 13-year-old black teenager Darius Simmons at point-blank range after erroneously accusing Simmons of stealing from him, has, after being found guilty last week, been sentenced to life in prison.
The judge could have allowed for the possibility of parole after 20 years, but rejected that option, citing Spooner's lack of remorse and desire to also kill the teen's brother.Even the best possible legal outcome does not feel like justice when a 76-year-old man will spend the dwindling twilight of his life behind bars for stealing an entire lifetime from a boy.
I hope this brings Darius Simmons' family some measure of peace.
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