The 21-year-old man who killed 16-year-old Latrell Brown in 2018 was sentenced to 18 years to life in prison on Wednesday at Brooklyn Supreme Court.

Loved ones of Latrell Brown gathered at Brooklyn Supreme Court as 21-year-old Justin Delapara, who was 17 at the time of the incident, received his sentence.

Latrell Brown was walking with his girlfriend when prosecutors say Delapara shot him in the head after a brief exchange of words. He was set to start his senior year at Brooklyn Law and Technical High School, and was an avid basketball player.

Nearly four years after Latrell’s murder, his family remains heartbroken and seeking answers.

“I just want to know why, why why Justin,” said Michelle Armstrong, Latrell’s mother, “why'd it have to be my son?”