EBENSBURG, CAMBRIA COUNTY--- Two cousins were sentenced Tuesday in the death of JQuan Lewis.
Anthony Harvey and Marquis Neal were sentenced for the October 1, 2011 murder. They were found guilty in January. Harvey, police said drove the getaway car he was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter. The 29-year old was sentenced to serve 7 years 10 months to 25 years in jail. Neal, the man police said pulled the trigger killing the 21-year old just hours after his birthday was sentenced to 25-50 years. Neal apologized to the victim's family and his own in court.
"He gets a number, while I am the one who is getting sentenced to life," said Evelyn Lewis, the victim's mother. "My son is never coming home- he was my best friend."
"I still have a three year old son to raise without a father," said Jaquana Badger, Lewis's girlfriend. "This is not closure."
Evelyn Lewis said she appreciates the apology from Neal and feels sorry for his family as well.
"This is a loss for them and it's a major loss for me."
"This was one senseless act and you saw the lives affected," said Neal's Defense Attorney Paul Eckenrode. "The families will all grieve the rest of their lives."
"I think the judge sent a message that needed to be sent," said Kelly Callihan, District Attorney. "This activity is not going to be tolerated anymore in the city of Johnstown."
Neal's attorney plans to appeal his sentencing.
Anthony Harvey and Marquis Neal were sentenced for the October 1, 2011 murder. They were found guilty in January. Harvey, police said drove the getaway car he was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter. The 29-year old was sentenced to serve 7 years 10 months to 25 years in jail. Neal, the man police said pulled the trigger killing the 21-year old just hours after his birthday was sentenced to 25-50 years. Neal apologized to the victim's family and his own in court.
"He gets a number, while I am the one who is getting sentenced to life," said Evelyn Lewis, the victim's mother. "My son is never coming home- he was my best friend."
"I still have a three year old son to raise without a father," said Jaquana Badger, Lewis's girlfriend. "This is not closure."
Evelyn Lewis said she appreciates the apology from Neal and feels sorry for his family as well.
"This is a loss for them and it's a major loss for me."
"This was one senseless act and you saw the lives affected," said Neal's Defense Attorney Paul Eckenrode. "The families will all grieve the rest of their lives."
"I think the judge sent a message that needed to be sent," said Kelly Callihan, District Attorney. "This activity is not going to be tolerated anymore in the city of Johnstown."
Neal's attorney plans to appeal his sentencing.
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.