ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A teenager who was convicted of murdering a security guard at an Orlando apartment complex in 2012 was sentenced to life in prison on Monday.
The family of Allen McPherson pleaded for justice during the sentencing hearing at the Orange County Courthouse.
"Please your honor, never unleash this person on society to cause more unnecessary havoc and pain," said the victim's wife, Darlene McPherson.
Terrance Anthony was 16 years old when he fatally shot Allen McPherson, who was on duty at the Sabal Palms apartments off Raleigh Street. Prosecutors said the 44-year-old victim had previously confronted Anthony for being at the complex when he didn't live there.
Anthony's defense attorney argued that life in prison was a harsh sentence for a teenager and cited another Florida case that found it to be cruel and unusual. But the judge disagreed and sentenced the 19-year-old to life in prison with a review in 25 years.
The victim's family has filed a lawsuit against the apartment complex for only having one security guard on duty, despite a lot of issues at the property.
"He was kind, goodhearted, he would do anything for anyone," said the victim's sister, Amanda Stubblefield.
Anthony's attorney said he will be appealing the sentencing.
WFTV
