First of 3 people sentenced in death of Detroit teen, Deontae Sanford
DETROIT (AP) - A man has been sentenced to at least 14 years in prison for his role in the killing of a 13-year-old Detroit boy who was abducted, beaten and choked after he picked up money that he found on the ground.
Earnest Coleman returned to court Thursday, less than a month after pleading guilty to torture and illegal possession of a gun.
Deontae Mitchell's body was discovered in a vacant lot in Detroit last May. Police say he was grabbed after picking up money outside a market.
Two more people will be sentenced on Nov. 18. Gregory Walker and Lillian Roberts pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and kidnapping, although Roberts' sentence is likely to be lower.
Walker's plea deal calls for 40 to 60 years in prison.
Deontae went missing June 1 after he and a cousin saw Walker drop a wallet with $75 on the ground. They picked it up and rode away. They were riding bikes outside of a liquor store.
A short while later, they separated and it's alleged Walker, Roberts and Coleman kidnapped Deontae at gunpoint and drove away with him. Prosecutors allege Walker beat the child and later choked him to death with the help of Roberts and Coleman.
Deontae's body was found in a field on the east side of Detroit on June 2.
Walker and Roberts were found in a Toledo motel, while Coleman was arrested in Detroit.