Suspect lay in wait to kill his neighbor over a long-standing feud. He murdered the man's son instead.

A man was having a feud with a neighbor and lay in wait to kill his enemy. Instead, he murdered the neighbor’s son.

Now, the killer will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Last week, a judge in Michigan sentenced Paul Gabriel to life in prison without parole for the 2018 murder of Anthony James “AJ” Federighe, 22. Gabriel was previously convicted of first-degree murder.

The murder happened on Sept. 25, 2018, in Muskegon County, Michigan, according to Mlive. There was a long feud between Gabriel and his neighbor. Both men had sought protection orders against the other and made claims of stalking, guns and violence, according to Mlive. The feud escalated and Garbiel lay in wait for the neighbor but killed Federighe instead.

The 22-year-olds final words were, “Please help me. I don’t want to die,” according to Mlive.

Gabriel said he shot in self-defense after fighting with the young man, according to Mlive. Gabriel’s attorney argued he had a right to defend himself and there was evidence his client was attacked. But a jury decided he committed murder.

Video surveillance showed Federighe collapsing to his knees and holding his midsection after the shooting, according to Mlive. Gabriel then walked by with the gun.

During a sentencing hearing, Tony Federighe hailed his son as a hero.

“He took the bullet that was meant for me,” the father said, according to Mlive.

Tony Federighe said Gabriel stalked their family, dented his vehicle, slashed his tires and peeked in his windows, according to the report. The father added Gabriel killed an innocent person.

After the shooting, Tony Federighe broke into Gabriel’s home. He was later sentenced to nearly two years in prison.

The victim’s grandmother, Joann Federighe, said she remembers AJ’s first steps. She said AJ loved outdoor sports and played hockey. He started a business fixing and selling cars before he was killed, according to Mlive.

“Paul, you are evil,” Joann Federighe said, the newsgroup reported.