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