Sentenced: Man learns his fate after admitting his involvement in fatal shooting following barbecue

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- 21-year-old Atoary Harrington of Milwaukee has been sentenced in connection with the shooting death of Whitney Rhodes.

Harrington pleaded guilty to a felony charge of second degree reckless homicide in the case.

In court on Thursday, June 19th, a judge sentenced Harrington to 11 years in prison, with credit for 291 days served.

His sentence includes six years of initial confinement and five years of extended supervision.

The court on Thursday heard statements from Rhodes' mother and step-father, and a statement by the prosecution, and Harrington himself.

The shooting in which Rhodes was killed happened on August 31st, in the 3400 block of N. 8th Street.

A criminal complaint in the case says Rhodes’ death was the result of a gunshot wound to the torso.

A criminal complaint in the case says officials spoke with the victim’s boyfriend, who told officials the two were at the residence that Saturday for his aunt’s 55th birthday party. The boyfriend told officials there was a barbecue going on in the yard during the day.

Later that night, the boyfriend told officials he was sitting in the living room when he heard a car pull up, and then heard gunfire hitting the house, according to the complaint.

The boyfriend, Rhodes and their two-month-old child went to hide in a closet, when the boyfriend told officials Rhodes said she was hit, and feeling funny, and was having trouble breathing, according to the complaint.

Officials spoke with the daughter of the woman who was celebrating her birthday at the home, who indicated the problem that night involved one of her sisters, and another woman. Apparently, that woman’s sister and the other woman exchanged looks and verbal jabs during the birthday party, before the two were involved in a physical altercation, according to the complaint.

The mother who was celebrating her birthday broke up the fight, and the group then heard an individual known as “Main” state: “They are over here jumping on your baby’s mama. You need to bring some heat,” according to the complaint.

The complaint indicates the children were moved inside, and later, a group of men arrived at the home. Everyone inside the home ran and hid, and someone in the house reported hearing a voice say: “Shoot through the side window.”

A witness reported hearing six to 10 gunshots, and believed they came from more than one gun.

The complaint indicates Harrington admitted to being involved and armed with a .380 caliber handgun. He also admitted to firing shots with that handgun.