SCRANTON, Pa. — 38 years in state prison was the sentence handed down in a Lackawanna County courtroom in the case against Amir Williams.
"We asked for a 40-year sentence, but 38 years with 2 years probation is still a significant sentence," said Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell.
It was June 22nd, 2022 when police were called to a parking lot along West Olive Street in Scranton. There, they found 18-year-old Tyler McKenna had been stabbed seven times.
He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
"The void is never filled. Tyler was only 18 years old. He was a father himself, so the family is grieving. They are a close family, but this type of resolution does help create a degree of closure," said D.A. Powell.
Williams was 16 years old at the time of the stabbing but charged as an adult with first-degree murder.
Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell says Williams had been involved with gangs since the age of 13.
Powell hopes this sentence will send a message about gang violence in the city, "A firm sentence delivers a clear message gang violence is not going to be tolerated. There will be serious consequences to individuals who join gangs and commit crimes while gang members."
Mckenna's family didn't want to speak after the hearing- but in court, they shared the pain they've felt since their son's death.
Tyler's mother, Kelly McKenna, told the court her son suffered from mental health issues, but he worked to overcome them.
The 18-year-old hoped to one day become a therapist.
His mother said, "In the blink of an eye, it was all gone. You broke me. You broke my family."
Two other teenagers have been charged in this case.
The Lackawanna County District Attorney says he cannot comment on those cases since they are in juvenile court.