Jan. 28, 2021 8:45p
(WGTD)---A former Bradford High School student who fatally stabbed a classmate nearly four years ago received an eleven-year prison sentence Thursday.
Timothy Carson plunged his pocket knife into Dez’Jon Taylor’s chest after Taylor punched Carson in the mouth during a study hall.
In court Thursday, defense attorney Pat Cafferty said his client thought he had no choice but to act the way he did. But the judge in the case, Mary Wagner, wasn’t convinced. "I know Mr. Cafferty expresses the idea of this protective necessity that you thought you had," Wagner told Carson. "I don't think it existed. There were plenty of things to do other than stab this boy in the heart," she said.
Wagner said Carson's actions reverberated throughout the entire school system. "You shattered those other students who didn't even know you or know Des'Jon. You shattered their parents' and those children's trust in an institution that we hold very dear for the education of young people," she said.
Carson had pleaded guilty to a charge of 2nd degree reckless homicide, of which the maximum penalty is 15 years.
Ten of the 11 years handed down by Wagner were for the stabbing itself. The extra year was tacked on for a jail house fight. Wagner berated Carson for orchestrating and participating in several fights while in jail. If the behavior continues in prison, Wagner predicted, Carson will be spending many more years behind bars.
During the sentencing hearing, Taylor’s mother spoke, alternating between sobs and expressions of anger. She said she hoped to one day be able to forgive Carson for what he did. Carson and her son had been friends before feuding over a girl.
Wagner thought the mother's offer of forgiveness was extraordinary. "That is a rare statement in a hearing like this that someone says those kind words to someone who damaged them so brutally," Wagner said. "I hope you understand how generous that is."
Carson was given credit for nearly four years’ of time already served.
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