A man from Michigan has been sentenced to several decades in prison for fatally shooting a 15-year-old girl who was riding her scooter with friends during a birthday celebration in downtown Grand Rapids.

At 19, Josiah Tyree Pittman received a prison sentence ranging from 27 to 52 years for second-degree murder and firearm-related felony in the case of La’Kyijah Williams’ death. He admitted guilt to these charges in August.

According to a local courtroom report from ABC affiliate WZZM, Pittman was nearby just before midnight on May 18, 2024, when he suddenly drew a gun and fired at the teenagers La’Kyijah was with. La’Kyijah was hit in the head and succumbed to her injuries. The incident was caught on surveillance footage.

Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Blair Lachman mentioned that Pittman argued he shot out of “fear or concern,” but this claim lacked logic since the teenagers were unfamiliar with Pittman, Lachman noted.

“There was no exchange. There’s no exchange of words,” Lachman stated, according to WZZM. “So number one, this doesn’t show remorse. This shows anything but that. It’s an excuse that is unsupported by any piece of evidence; it raises serious concerns that if he’s not going to be remorseful for his actions, that he will be someone who, when he gets out, would do the same thing.”

For his part, Pittman apologized for his actions.

“Even though La’Kyijah was not my intended target, I was wrong, nonetheless, for letting the devil take control of my actions on that horrible day,” he told the court. “I’m aware I can never get her mother and her father the daughter back, or put an end to the stuff that I caused. I’m sorry. And though it is highly unlikely, highly unlikely, I hope that La’Kyijah’s family and friends can find it in their heart to forgive what I’ve done. I understand them fully if they refuse to do so, because forgiveness is a gift that I honestly do not deserve.”

According to her obituary, La’Kyijah was a freshman in high school with a “joyful spirit” who enjoyed playing basketball. Her death has left a lasting impact on her family. The victim’s mother, Shaqueta Matheson, said she’s now constantly fearful about the safety of her surviving children.

“I’ve struggled with fear, anxiety, and overwhelming stress,” Matheson said. “This tragedy has affected every part of my life. I’ve been unable to work and have developed health issues from this trauma.”