DeMarco Harris is now 13; he was only 12 when he fatally shot Trisha Babcock last August 1 during a robbery gone bad.
Now Harris' fate is largely in his own hands. Wayne Circuit Judge Sheila Gibson could have sentenced Harris as a juvenile, resulting in detention until age 21. She could also have imposed an adult sentence, which would have landed Harris in prison for life without parole. Instead, Gibson gave Harris a sentence which is a blending of the two.
Here is how the sentence will play out:
1. Harris will be sent to a juvenile facility. According to prosecution spokeswoman Maria Miller, it will be a secure detention facility where violent offenders are heavily monitored.
2. In six months, Judge Gibson will review the placement and determine if any adjustments are required.
3. Harris will be maintained in juvenile detention until age 21.
4. Should Harris commit a felony while in custody he will automatically be re-sentenced as an adult.
5. When Harris reaches age 21, the judge will examine his record and determine if he has been rehabilitated. If so, he will be a free man. If not, he will be sentenced as an adult. For the crimes of which he was convicted, that means life without parole. The judge would not have the discretion to sentence him to a lesser term.
Harris does not have a sterling track record as a juvenile, but if he can keep his nose clean for 8 years he might get a second chance. And that is something Trisha Babcock will not get.
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