MOOSIC -- A man from Lackawanna County pleaded guilty Friday to third degree murder. Adam Wickizer admitted to shooting and killing Christopher Hughes in a trailer park March of 2013.
Dozens of family members and friends walked into the courthouse annex in Downtown Scranton, still grieving the loss of Christopher Hughes. Hughes was shot and killed at the Moosic Trailer Park.
"Took a very, very amazing person away from our family. He made our family he made the life of the family," said the victim’s sister, Nicole Hughes.
Adam Wickizer has pleaded guilty to the murder. Court papers reveal Wickizer shot Hughes, who was dating his ex-girlfriend. The shooting happened as the former couple was supposed to exchange custody of their son.
Wickizer said in court, “I would like to say I'm sorry. I'm extremely sorry for the actions I took that night... If I could take it back I would. I am truly and deeply sorry for what happened.”
For those closest to Hughes, this apology fell short.
"We`d all like to know why, we don`t want a sorry we want to know why," said the victim’s friend Nicole Linker.
"He says he made a mistake, but at least he`s here to live and see his children grow. His five-year-old daughter doesn`t get to see that,” said Nicole Hughes.
Wickizer was immediately sentenced after pleading guilty to third degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child. He’ll serve 17 ½ to 40 years in prison. Prosecutors said it’s an outcome they hope will bring the family some comfort.
"Whenever there`s a loss of life-like this there`s no good solution, but as the judge said this gives some finality and some closure,” said Lackawanna County Assistant District Attorney Jennifer McCambridge
"I still don`t think that`s enough because it`s not going to bring my brother back, but he is very well missed and will never be forgotten,” said Nicole Hughes.
Wickizer cannot have contact with the victim’s family or his son for now as part of his sentencing.