Amardi Stotts, aged 31, has been given a 30-year prison sentence for the tragic shooting death of Dondale Young, a much-loved basketball coach in Milwaukee. During his sentencing, Stotts expressed remorse and acknowledged his role in Young’s death, conceding that he cannot undo the pain he has caused. However, his words did little to comfort the grief of Young’s family.
Jeradine Grayson, Young’s mother, spoke of the significant loss of her son and the devastating impact it has had on her family. She implored the judge to impose the maximum sentence on Stotts, emphasising that the community remains at risk while he is free.
Initially, prosecutors recommended a 23 to 25-year prison term for Stotts, but Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Ellen R. Brostrom ultimately ordered a longer term of 30 years of initial confinement and 12 years of extended supervision. Judge Brostrom acknowledged the profound impact of Young’s death, noting that his influence extended beyond the basketball court to the lives of those he mentored.
The court session was attended by Young’s family and friends, who showed unwavering support for the late coach. Many of them wore lockets with images of Young embracing his children, serving as a poignant reminder of the legacy he left behind.
The events of July 7, the day of the fatal shooting, unfolded tragically in the morning. Dondale Young had been assisting his niece in moving into a new apartment to escape an abusive relationship. As he returned to the apartment to retrieve some tools, he encountered his niece’s former boyfriend. A phone call between the two individuals preceded the deadly encounter, with gunshots ringing out shortly afterward and Young being found dead in the aftermath.
During his court appearance, Stotts, a father of two, expressed remorse to Young’s family and accepted responsibility for his actions. He also admitted to carrying a firearm with him at all times. Stotts’ defence team indicated that he believed Young was armed and that he had acted in perceived self-defence. However, the prosecution refuted this claim, stating that no weapon was found in Young’s possession or his vehicle.
Members of Young’s family have called for further legal action against a second individual, whom they believe orchestrated the phone call that led to Young’s death. They have urged the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office to pursue charges against this person.
The pain of Young’s loss was palpable in the courtroom as his family expressed their anguish and anger towards Stotts. Dori Harness, Young’s sister, lamented the fact that her brother, a pillar of the community, had been taken away due to Stotts’ actions.
The emotional toll of the sentencing was evident as Young’s family and friends grappled with the reality of his absence. The court’s decision to hold Stotts accountable for his actions reflects the pursuit of justice for the life that was senselessly taken.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Amardi Stotts for the killing of Dondale Young underscores the profound impact of his actions. As the Milwaukee community continues to mourn the loss of a beloved coach and mentor, the pursuit of justice for his family remains an ongoing endeavour. The memory of Dondale Young lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and his legacy will endure through the lives he touched.