MOUNT PLEASANT, Pa. — A 15-year-old boy who pleaded guilty to shooting and killing a 13-year-old friend in a Mount Pleasant home was sentenced Friday to a group home.
The boy, who Channel 11 is no longer naming since his case was moved to juvenile court, shot and killed James “J.R.” Gustafson in March 2016. The shooter was 14 when he killed Gustafson inside of a Mount Pleasant home.
Channel 11's Melanie Gillespie reported that Gustafson's family and the judge agreed that the boy needs help and rehabilitation.
"He's had a ton of opportunities to apologize and never apologized to us once," said the victim's father, Mark Gustafson.
The shooter's probation officer testified that the teen had significant trauma throughout his life. He said the teen was in and out of foster homes, was neglected and was abused. The probation officer recommended the teen get help and return to a foster family.
"The juvenile system as it's constructed in Pennsylvania is for rehabilitation rather than for punishment. The child hopefully can be made whole, and be a contributing member to society," defense attorney Richard McCauge said.
The victim's family said forgiveness is something they don't think will ever come.
"I will never forgive him for doing that to my son. He will never be forgiven for that," Mark Gustafson said.
J.R.'s mother, Leah Gustafson, said forgiveness "may help. It may not, but we can try. It's better (the shooter) not be in our community. It's safer for him and us. J.R. can rest in peace more and (we will) get all the justice we can."
No timetable was set for how long he will remain at Appalachian Youth Services in Cambria County. The maximum sentence would keep him there until he turns 21.
The judge will review the case again in three months to ensure the boy is in the right place.
The teen is the first of three people to be sentenced in the case. Babysitter Brooke Nelson and the gun owner, Josh Hudec, have yet to go to trial. Both Nelson and Hudec face charges of reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of children.
Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for continuing coverage.
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