Teen Gets 25 Years in Prison for Killing 15-Year-Old During Robbery Attempt, Makes Emotional Court Apology

A teenage boy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. During the sentencing, he said, “I’m not a monster.” On May 19, Christopher Horne Jr pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted robbery and second-degree murder in connection with the death of Kayla Rincon-Miller, 15.

According to prosecutors, Horne had an accomplice, identified as Thomas Stein, and the duo decided to rob the three girls they saw on the street. Among them was the victim, Rincon-Miller. They had just walked out of a movie theatre and were walking down a street when a car pulled up near them. During the altercation, Rincon-Miller was shot in the chest. She later died from her injuries.

One of Rincon-Miller’s friends, Louann Dejaie, testified during Stein’s trial. She said that the three of them were terrified when approached by unknown men. Louann Dejaie said, “I have suffered so much mentally and physically since this night occurred. They wanted our money, but the only thing they took was her life.”

Horne Jr. offered an apology to Dejaie and the victims' families. “I’m not a monster. I feel like the demons I fought as a child played a part and impacted my future,” he said at the sentencing hearing. Horne added, “I just want to say to the family and the victims, I’m deeply sorry for the role I played in your loved one’s death.”

Horne would have faced a minimum of 27 years in prison. However, he entered an agreement with prosecutors to testify in his co-defendant’s trial. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison for second-degree murder. Fifteen years for each count of the attempted robbery charges will run concurrently.

Since Horne is a juvenile, his sentence will be reviewed after 15 years. At the May 19 sentencing, prosecutors noted that Stein, who was behind the wheel, was the one who pulled the trigger on Rincon-Miller and killed her. They noted that Horne Jr. was in the passenger seat and did not shoot the victim.

Stein was convicted of felony murder with a firearm and three counts of attempted robbery. His sentencing is set for June 10. He might face life in prison.