Teen killer sentenced to three decades in murder of homeless man

Jacksonville, FL — Sharron Townsend was sentenced Monday to 30 years in prison for the 2014 death of a homeless man, Thomas Trent.

Townsend pleaded guilty to second degree murder in June 2016.

Townsend was 12-years-old when he shot and killed Trent.

A Supreme Court ruling changed sentencing guidelines for young people, effective banning mandatory life sentences without parole for all juveniles, stating the sentences need to be examined on a case-by-case basis.

At a hearing in February, Townsend took the stand to apologize for what he did when he was 12 years old.

"I want to apologize to Mr. Trent's family. I'm truly sorry for what happened. I really wish he was here for y'all. Y'all really seem like nice people. Words can't explain how I feel," Townsend said.

Townsend's sentence will be reviewed after he serves 15 years. The State has agreed.