Morales-Rodriguez sentenced to six years for killing sister
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A Milwaukee County judge sentenced 19-year-old Miguel Morales-Rodriguez to six years in prison plus another six years of extended supervision for shooting and killing his teenage sister on Milwaukee’s south side in January.
Morales-Rodriguez pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree reckless homicide on April 25th. That was a change from his original not guilty plea in January.
Prosecutors say on January 8th, Morales-Rodriguez was holding a gun while arguing with his sister, 15-year-old Brendalyz Morales-Rodriguez. They say he pulled the trigger and shot his sister in the head. Authorities say the incident occurred in a home on W. Orchard Street near Cesar Chavez Dr.
Through an interpreter, Morales-Rodriguez tearfully told the court of his pain.
"From the bottom of my heart, it really hurts to have lost her because she was not only my sister, she was my friend. And I want everyone in my family to know that I love them," said Morales-Rodriguez.
Isabell Rodriguez, the visibly distraught mother of both Miguel and Brendalyz, had a tough time addressing the court. An interpreter also helped her.
"The only thing that I can tell you is he is a good son. He's not a bad person," said Isabell Rodriguez.
The obvious pain was not lost on the judge.
"My heart goes out to you and it goes out to your family," said Judge Ellen Bostrom.
The judge encouraged Morales-Rodriguez to use his time behind bars wisely, furthering his education.
"It's the debt I think you need to pay. I think it's fair and when you get done with it as I said, I hope you can turn the page and move forward in a positive way," said Judge Bostrom.
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