See the emotional moments as gunman is sentenced to 30 years in deadly basketball court shooting
NEW YORK -- The gunman charged with killing 14-year-old Aamir Griffin on a Queens basketball court was sentenced to 30 years in prison Wednesday.
Sean Brown, 21, pleaded guilty last month to manslaughter, conspiracy to commit murder, and weapons charges.
There was a lot of back-and-forth in the case. Brown rejected a plea deal of 30 years in January, asking for a trial. He said he no longer wanted to go to trial last month and would instead take the plea deal. Before sentencing Wednesday, he asked for a trial again. The judge did not allow it, and moved on to sentencing.
Authorities said Brown mistook Griffin for a rival gang member in October 2019 while the 14-year-old was playing basketball at the Baisley Park Houses in South Jamaica.
Griffin's mother and grandmother delivered emotional impact statements before Wednesday's sentencing.
"They took my soul from me. I haven't slept for five years, I'm tired. I just want this to be over with. My family and I miss him," his mother, Shanequa Griffin, said, fighting back tears. "At least, you're still here for your family, and hopefully, if you're ever in the streets again, you'll make better decisions."
"Aamir was compassionate and a loving soul, always willing to lend a helping hand. He selflessly fed the homeless, assisted elderly individuals with their groceries. His work was always kind and respectful to those around him. Aamir touched the lives of so many, giving himself without any hesitation," his grandmother added. "He was also a promising basketball player with dreams of making it to the NBA. However, all those dreams were shattered by Mr. Brown's decision to take that fateful shot."
Griffin was a freshman at Benjamin Cardozo High School and had just made the junior varsity basketball team. He was practicing his jump shot when he was struck by a stray bullet from 100 yards away.
Brown did not make eye contact with the family, and did not appear to show any remorse inside the courtroom.
"I am convinced this is a good plea. Thirty years is a good amount of sentencing for this. It gives the family closure," Queens DA Melinda Katz said. "We need to get rid of the gangs and the guns."
After sentencing, Aamir's mother, who had a picture of her son on her sweater and around her neck, briefly talked with reporters.
"It doesn't change the situation. It doesn't change the fact that my son is no longer here," she said.
She was asked how she'd like everyone to remember him.
"Go play ball," she said.