Man gets probation in covering up murder of West Bloomfield woman

(WJBK) -
On Thursday Diana Pesseral’s mother spoke out as the second suspect, Jaylen Stringer, accused in her daughter's killing was sentenced 

He helped a friend get rid of evidence after a murder.  On Thursday, he was sentenced. 

The brutal killing happened in a quiet West Bloomfield neighborhood in 2016.

"Diana's death created great anxiety, fear, sadness and anger in her son," said Marena Pesseral. "He bears great responsibility in what happened around my daughter's murder."

Stringer was charged with evidence tampering and accessory after the fact in the murder of Pesseral. Investigator say her body was found in a burning vehicle behind the old Pine Lake Elementary School.

Police say the first defendant, Deshaun Smith, shot Pesseral in the stomach and set her car on fire to cover up the crime. 

Deshaun Smith was sentenced in July to life in prison without parole.

On Thursday Stringer addressed the victim's family.

"I accept full responsibility in the 15 months I spent in Oakland County Jail in maximum security even today, I wake up every day wishing it never happened," he said.

He then pleaded for forgiveness 

"I could not have stopped because I could not see it coming," Stringer said. "I wish I did. I am very sorry. I hope one day you can forgive me."

Judge James Alexander: "This is a really hard decision. Because you've destroyed your life and obviously the Pesserals'." 

The judge also scolded Stringer for having a number of mishaps with his tether. 

"I don't know if you know how to problem solve," Alexander said, 

"I really appreciate a second chance at life. This does not define me," he said. "I am very remorseful for what happened."

But in the end, Judge James Alexander had the final say, sentencing him to probation.

"I'm going to sentence you to five years’ probation," the judge said, then added, "I'm going to tell you this - if your tether battery fails once, five years in prison. No ifs, ands or buts, no passing go, no collecting $200. You are going to take responsibility for what happened and you are going to prove to yourself and this community that you are not a danger to anyone.  

Stringer was also told he can't live in West Bloomfield and he can't have contact with victim's family. 

"If there's so much as one violation with your probation, you're going to prison don't ask for another break," Alexander said. "You're getting your one break right now."