A black man who was found guilty of murdering two white teenagers execution-style in a vacant Detroit field defiantly declared “black lives matter” Wednesday before being sentenced to life in prison.
Fredrick Young and Felando Hunter were sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without parole for robbing, torturing and murdering Jourdan Bobbish and Jacob Kudla, who had met up with them in July 2012 to buy drugs, a local Fox affiliate reported.
Young shocked the courtroom when he was given the chance to address the victims’ families, but instead apologized to the families of Michael Brown and Eric Garner.
“I’d like to say sorry to the families of Aiyanna Jones, Michael Brown, Eric Garner,” he said. “And I want to apologize to them for not being able to get justice for their loved ones who was murdered in cold blood.
“And in respect for the peaceful protest, I want to say ’hands up don’t shoot,’” he said, raising his hands in the air. “Black lives matter — that’s it your honor.”
Despite Young’s message, Jourdon Bobbish’s mother, Carrie Bobbish, spoke of forgiveness during her impact statement, the Fox affiliate reported.
“In the end — knowing who Jourdan was, I believe he would want me to offer forgiveness,” she told the court. “Although I know I may struggle with that endeavor for the rest of my life, it would be what Jourdan would want.
“On behalf of Jourdan and myself, I will pray for forgiveness for both of you,” she said to her son’s killers.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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