PONTIAC (AP) -- A Detroit teen who was 16 when he shot a suburban police officer to death was sentenced Tuesday to mandatory life in prison without parole.
Jonathan Belton, 18, received the sentence in Oakland County Circuit Court.
"Look, y'all know this is not over," Belton said to his supporters in the courtroom. "This will come back on appeal."
A jury last month found him guilty on counts of murdering a police officer and first-degree premeditated murder in the slaying of Oak Park officer Mason Samborski.
"Jonathan Belton, you shattered my happiness, my hopes and my dreams, and for that, I will never forgive you," the victim's widow, Sarah Samborski, said before the sentencing.
Belton was 16 and didn't have a driver's license when Mason Samborski pulled him over in Oak Park two years ago. Authorities said Samborski drove him to an apartment complex to have an adult take custody of the teen or identify him.
Defense attorney Geoffrey Fieger has said Samborski accidentally shot himself during a struggle with Belton.
Before issuing the sentence, Judge Rae Lee Chabot said she took the case personally and felt sorry for all those involved.
"This case is tragic beyond words," Chabot said.
Published: Thu, Dec 16, 2010
