Renisha McBride's killer sentenced to a minimum of 17 years in prison

"I believe justice was served and I believe my sister can rest peacefully now," said Jasmine McBride

Published September 3, 2014 3:37PM (EDT)

A mourner holds an obituary showing a picture of 19-year-old shooting victim Renisha McBride during her funeral service in Detroit, Michigan November 8, 2013.         (Reuters/Joshua Lott)
A mourner holds an obituary showing a picture of 19-year-old shooting victim Renisha McBride during her funeral service in Detroit, Michigan November 8, 2013. (Reuters/Joshua Lott)

Theodore Wafer, who shot and killed 19-year-old Renisha McBride last November, has been sentenced to a minimum of 17 years in prison.

McBride, a black teenager, had been in a car accident when she arrived on Wafer's porch in Deerborn Heights, Michigan. Wafer, a white man, claimed that McBride's loud knocking made him fear for his life. He shot and killed her through a locked door.

As NBC News reports, Wafer apologized to McBride's family before he was sentenced. "From my fear, I caused the loss of a life that was too young to leave this world. And for that, I carry that guilt and sorrow forever," Wafer said. The judge replied, "I fully recognize that you did not bring these circumstances to your doorstep. They arrived there. But once you did, you made the choices that brought you here today."

McBride's sister, Jasmine, told NBC News, "I believe justice was served and I believe my sister can rest peacefully now."

Wafer's attorney plans to appeal.

h/t Jamil Smith


By Katie McDonough

Katie McDonough is Salon's politics writer, focusing on gender, sexuality and reproductive justice. Follow her on Twitter @kmcdonovgh or email her at kmcdonough@salon.com.

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Renisha Mcbride Theodore Wafer