QUINCY, Ill. (AP) — A Quincy teenager has been sentenced to 20 years in the 2019 shoot- ing death of another teenager.
Roger Parker Jr., 18, pleaded guilty earlier this year to second-degree murder for the death of Darrell Kelley Jr. Even though Parker was 16 at the time of the crime, he was tried as an adult.
Authorities have said Kelley died of three gun- shot wounds following the shooting on Sept. 26, 2019. Both teens were reportedly arguing leading up to the shooting.
During the recent sentencing hearing, Kelley’s mother, Lindsey King- Kelley, said that having a child killed “changes your soul,” according to The (Quincy) Herald- Whig.
Parker’s attorney, Matthew Radefeld, argued his client had been bullied and threatened by Kelley. Radefeld had recommended a six- year sentence.
Parker apologized to Kelley’s family.
“It’s not fair that this had to happen,” Parker said.
