LARGO, Fla. _ Clearwater parking lot shooter Michael Drejka was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the shooting death of Markeis McGlockton.
The hefty sentence came during an emotional hearing Thursday morning before Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Joseph Bulone, who heard impassioned pleas from McGlockton's parents and girlfriend for the maximum sentence of 30 years.
"Markeis was loved by so many and because of you, Michael Drejka, my son is now a memory," said his mother, Monica Moore-Robinson.
"I don't hate you, but I will never forgive you."
There were no Drejka supporters in the courtroom, but one of his defense attorneys submitted two letters requesting leniency, including one from his wife read aloud in court.
The defense team emphasized that Drejka has supporters outside the courtroom, but they didn't show up to court proceedings due to concerns for their safety.
"I believe in my husband and trust him in my life," his wife wrote, in a letter read aloud by attorney Theresa Jean-Pierre Coy.
