BREAKING NEWS

Petty sentenced to prison in DeMarcus Graham case

Former CMU football player Demond J. Petty advised his family and friends in the courtroom Thursday to avoid the same decision he made the night of the DeMarcus Graham assault.

Isabella County Trial Judge William Ervin sentenced Petty to a minimum of 48 months and maximum of 15 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter.

Petty pleaded no contest, meaning he didn’t admit guilt, to involuntary manslaughter March 8 to avoid related charges of second-degree murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm and perjury.

After Petty completes the minimum sentence he can be considered for parole, said Leo Lalonde, Michigan Department of Corrections spokesman.

Ervin told Petty he thought about the sentence a lot before the hearing. He said Petty played a major role in the “reckless disregard” for Graham’s life that night.

“You have failed to take responsibility for your actions,” Ervin said. “I found your involvement was substantial in this particular case here.”

Graham, a Flint native, was beaten unconscious outside Shaboom Pub Club, 106 Court St. in the early morning hours of June 25, 2004 and died three weeks later on July 14, 2004 in a Saginaw hospital.

Petty cried when Ervin gave him to the opportunity to address his supporters at the hearing.

“I’m so sorry. You all have to make the right decisions,” Petty said, while pausing to regain composure. “One decision can change your whole damn life. Stick together. I love you all.”

Former football player Michael L. Thomas, 24, of Fort Myers, Fla., was sentenced to 40 months to 15 years in prison Tuesday for involuntary manslaughter.

He also pleaded no contest to the charge March 8 and the charges of second-degree murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm and perjury were dropped.

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