A 20-year-old from Erie, Pennsylvania, responsible for the death of a 7-year-old boy in a gang-related shooting, almost received the life sentence without parole he desired from the court.

The young man, Abdullah O. Ismael, was 17 at the time he killed Antonio “Espn” Yarger Jr. in 2022. Instead of the life sentence he pushed for in Erie County Common Pleas Court, Ismael was sentenced to 60 years to life in prison due to his first-degree murder conviction.

During the proceedings, Ismael, who was tried as an adult, asked Judge John J. Mead for life without parole, expressing his remorse for the crime and its impact on Antonio’s family.

“I never intended to kill anyone, especially not a child like Antonio,” Ismael told Judge Mead while pleading for the life sentence. “I am truly sorry.”

Judge Mead did not grant Ismael’s request for a life sentence without parole. He noted that Pennsylvania appellate courts typically advise against such sentences for juvenile offenders found guilty of first-degree murder.

He emphasized that a 60-year to life sentence—where Ismael won’t be eligible for parole until he is around 80—was a fitting punishment for a crime that jolted the Erie community and raised awareness regarding youth and gang-related violence that surged during the pandemic.

“This case is a tragedy that has impacted many,” Mead remarked to a courtroom filled with family and friends of both Antonio and Ismael.

Nationwide, there has been a significant increase in homicides committed by children, rising 65% from 315 in 2016 to 521 in 2022, according to YSL News. Additionally, gun crimes among juveniles saw a 20% rise, raising concerns from experts and prompting calls for enhanced prevention efforts.

Shooter Convicted Based on Transfer-of-Intent Theory

Ismael had intended to shoot a rival gang member and not Antonio during a drive-by incident on April 14, 2022. Tragically, Antonio, who loved sports and was known by the nickname “Espn,” was struck in the head while walking with friends near his home around 7:40 p.m.

“You were looking for a rival gang member,” Mead told Ismael. “Some young person was bound to die regardless.”

Ismael faced a minimum sentence of 35 years in prison as a juvenile for premeditated murder. Had he been tried as an adult, he would have automatically faced life in prison without parole.

During the trial, Chief Deputy District Attorney Jeremy Lightner argued that Ismael’s actions amounted to first-degree murder based on the transfer of intent. He stated that Ismael shot Antonio while aiming to kill the rival gang member.

The jury found him guilty. After a four-day trial, the jurors deliberated for about two hours on August 23, ultimately convicting Ismael of first-degree murder.

A Bitter Reality

Lightner urged the judge to impose a sentence of at least 77 years, reflecting a previous case involving a juvenile convicted of first-degree murder in Erie County.

For taking the innocent life of a child, Lightner argued that Ismael warranted a punishment that equaled life without parole.

“The depth of sadness in this courtroom is immense,” Lightner remarked. “All of this sorrow arises from the actions of Abdullah Ismael.”

Lightner mentioned, “Antonio represents the ideal qualities we wish for in our children, while Abdullah symbolizes the consequences of neglecting the community.”

Eric Hackwelder, Ismael’s attorney, requested a sentence not exceeding the 35-year mandatory minimum. He argued that Ismael was young and acted impulsively when he took Antonio’s life, but believes he is capable of change.

Ismael, who immigrated from Iraq at the age of 3, fell into a negative lifestyle during his teenage years due to drug use and poor companionship, according to Hackwelder.

“I believe he was influenced by the streets,” he stated.

Hackwelder opposed a life sentence without the possibility of parole, contending that “Abdullah’s request is not in his best interest.”

‘I Come Here Seeking Forgiveness’

During his trial, Ismael was the sole defense witness. He claimed the incident was unintentional, stating he meant to direct the gun at the ground but accidentally fired when the vehicle he was in suddenly turned.

Last week, Ismael reiterated his claim of the shooting being accidental while expressing remorse to Antonio’s family.

In his concluding remarks, he characterized himself as “youthful, foolish, and lost” but expressed deep regret, requesting a sentence that would ensure he remains incarcerated for life.

“I stand here asking for forgiveness for my mistakes,” Ismael stated to Mead, “and I appeal for a life sentence.”