George Yea, 30, pleaded guilty in January 2024 to two felony counts of wanton endangerment with a firearm, one felony count of owning a firearm as a felon and one misdemeanor count of involuntary manslaughter in the June 20, 2023 shooting death of Tevin Jackson, 21.
George Yea, 30, pleaded guilty in January 2024 to two felony counts of wanton endangerment with a firearm, one felony count of owning a firearm as a felon and one misdemeanor count of involuntary manslaughter in the June 20, 2023 shooting death of Tevin Jackson, 21.
For killing a man on the East End of ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä in a June 2023 shooting, a North Carolina man was sentenced Tuesday to the maximum penalty of his plea agreement.
In January, George Yea, 30, pleaded guilty to two felony counts of wanton endangerment with a firearm, one felony count of owning a firearm as a felon and one misdemeanor count of involuntary manslaughter.
Yea killed Tevin Jackson, 21, on June 20.
On Tuesday, Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Bailey sentenced Yea to 15 years in prison and one year in jail. She also fined him $6,000. He has 246 days of credited time.
Police said Yea, of Trinity, North Carolina, was inside a residence in the 1600 block of McClung Street with several other people when he pulled a gun and “stated he was going to shoot everyone.†He then waved the gun around and pulled the trigger, striking Jackson.
‘Careless, reckless and childish’
At the hearing, Yea expressed remorse and apologized, calling his actions “careless, reckless and childish.†He nodded as Bailey said that, if he had followed the law, the sentencing hearing wouldn’t be necessary.
“I disregarded not only the laws of this state but [other people’s] lives, and I can’t take that back,†he said.
Yea’s attorney, Justin Collin, said that Yea has said he deserves to serve time and would accept whatever sentence the court would impose. He asked for 10 years.
Jackson’s sister, Kayla Jackson, spoke at the sentencing hearing, describing how the loss of Tevin Jackson has affected the family. She talked about his blond hair, blue eyes and heart of gold.
“Tevin was a kind-hearted, innocent soul who brought immense joy and love into our lives,†she said. “Tevin’s laughter and his smile, his unique look on the world enriched us beyond [measure], and now all we have left are the memories tainted by the heart-wrenching reality of Tevin’s absence.â€
Tevin Jackson taught the family unconditional love, Kayla Jackson said.
“Tevin had a special way of touching lives of those he encountered, despite his shyness. He had an intimate ability to connect with others on a deep level, his empathy and kindness knew no bounds, and he had an uncanny ability to understand and comfort those around him who needed it,†she said.
No mercy
Assistant Prosecutor Michelle Drummond said that, while he was remorseful Tuesday, Yea initially denied being at the scene.
Yea has previous convictions for breaking and entering, domestic violence and a drug-related charge. She asked for the maximum sentence.
Bailey said that, while any sentence she imposed wouldn’t bring back Tevin Jackson, his family deserved the best justice she could impose.
She said she tried to understand what was going through Yea’s head the night of the shooting, but she couldn’t.
“I don’t think that there’s any reason for me to have any mercy on you,†she said, “because you had none on him.â€
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