Teen Gets Up To 30 Years In Prison For Fatally Stabbing 18-Year-Old Man
GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (AP) — A teen convicted in the fatal stabbing of an 18-year-old man in Ottawa County has been sentenced to up to 30 years in prison.
The Holland Sentinel and The Grand Rapids Press report Victor Donaldson was sentenced Monday in circuit court to 10-30 years in prison. The 17-year-old was convicted of second-degree in August for killing Japaris Rodgers in July 2014 in Holland Township.
Authorities say the two were fighting when Rodgers was stabbed in the heart. Donaldson, then 16, claimed self-defense.
Donaldson read from a statement that he "never meant for blood to be on my hands."
Veronica Rodgers, Rodgers' aunt, says he "was a good kid" and "didn't deserve it."
The trial was delayed several times as Donaldson underwent psychiatric treatment.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.