One of the three people charged with the 2022 shooting death of Alijah Watts received his prison sentence in Christian County Circuit Court on Wednesday.
Judge John Atkins sentenced Christian McKeel to 11 years in prison – six years on a second-degree robbery charge and five years on a facilitation to murder charge.
McKeel was charged with driving then-16-year-old Joshua Cotton and then 17-year-old Jonathon Weston to the Fort Campbell Boulevard Casey’s with the intent to rob Watts, who was shot in the abdomen and died while trying to drive himself to the hospital.
McKeel’s attorney Eric Bearden requested probation for his client given his clean criminal record.
click to download audioMcKeel addressed the court and offered remorse for his actions.
click to download audioCommonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Bolen said probation was not a consideration in the case and should be given the recommended 11-year sentence.
click to download audioWatts was a standout athlete at Hopkinsville High School. His mother Sherita Watts addressed the court and said his son wasn’t given a second chance and neither should McKeel.
click to download audioJudge Atkins denied the probation request and handed down the 11-year sentence.
click to download audioBoth Weston and Cotton were tried as adults. Weston entered a guilty plea to assault and wanton endangerment. Cotton was found guilty of murder, first-degree robbery, and theft following a September jury trial and was sentenced to 45 years in prison.
However, Cotton will be back in court on November 16 as a motion for a new trial has been made.
