"You did what you did, you need to face the time:" Sierra Guyton's killer is sentenced to 44 years in prison



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The second suspect convicted in connection of the shooting death of 10-year-old Sierra Guyton is sentenced.

It was a bittersweet sentencing as the victim's loved ones were pleased with the prison time Lewis received -- but still, they say no amount of imprisonment will ever make them whole again.

As 19-year-old Sylvester Lewis was wheeled into court, family members of Sierra Guyton wiped tears away at the sight of his face. The memory of what happened will never be erased.

He's convicted of three felonies including one count of first degree reckless homicide. His lawyer painted a picture of a troubled teen abandoned by his parents as a child.

Guyton was shot in the head after being caught in the crossfire between Lewis and suspect Jamey Jackson. She was playing on a playground near 28th and Clarke on May 21st. Lewis didn't take the stand at trial, but did have something to say during sentencing.

"I want you to know deep down in my heart I did not mean for things to go as far as they did. I want to apologize to the family again, I'm sorry. I'm not asking ya'll to forget what happened, asking please forgive me, let me get a second chance in life -- I'm begging, not asking, I'm sorry," said Lewis.

But the words meant nothing for the little girl's loved ones.

"I didn't feel no sincerity in that it was a cry-out for help. You did what you did, you need to face the time," said a family member of Sierra.

Judge Daniel Konkel considered the teens troubled past before issuing his sentence.

Sierra's parents were not in court on Friday to hear Lewis be sentenced to 44 years in prison with 17 years of extended supervision.

FOX6 News is told they couldn't face the suspect again.

Although they are still torn apart from losing their little girl, loved ones say they are at least thankful justice is being served.

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