In Minnesota, a 17-year-old is set to spend over two decades in prison for the shooting death of a beloved 44-year-old youth hockey coach and father of two. The incident occurred earlier this year when the teenager, Kle Swee, and an accomplice were breaking into the coach's wife's car, and they were confronted by the coach. Ramsey County District Court Judge JaPaul J. Harris recently ordered Swee to serve a sentence of 25 1/2 years in a state correctional facility for the murder of Michael Scott Brasel.
Swee had previously pleaded guilty in August to one count of second-degree murder (intentional but not premeditated) related to the shooting. He was also credited with 152 days of time already served. Additionally, the judge mandated him to pay just over $8,000 in restitution to Brasel's family.
Before the sentencing, Hilary Brasel, the victim's wife, shared a victim impact statement with the court, expressing how her husband now exists only in her family's memories. She spoke of the deep loss she feels, saying, "Michael was my compass for life, and I feel lost without him."
Swee also addressed the court during the hearing, offering an apology for his actions. He said, "I just want to apologize to the victim's family, to my family, to everyone I impacted. I take full responsibility for my actions. All I ask for is forgiveness."
Swee mentioned his commitment to self-improvement during his prison sentence, including obtaining his GED, pursuing a diploma, and taking college courses. He expressed a desire to help young kids avoid the same mistakes he made, all in honor of Michael.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Swee acted as a lookout while his co-defendant, Ta Mla, broke into cars in the St. Paul area in May 2023. Brasel noticed Mla rummaging through his wife's car parked in front of their home, prompting him to step outside and intervene. Swee then opened fire, shooting Brasel multiple times, resulting in his death.
A neighbor who heard the altercation called 911 to report shots fired. The St. Paul Police Department responded, finding Brasel with gunshot wounds. Despite being transported to the hospital, Brasel was pronounced dead. An autopsy confirmed that he died from gunshot wounds to his chest, back, and torso.
Following his arrest, Mla admitted to driving himself and Swee away from the scene but claimed he didn't witness Swee shooting Brasel. Mla suggested that a third person in the car was supposed to be a lookout but was asleep at the time. Mla also mentioned that Swee expressed regret about the shooting.
Mla is facing one count of second-degree murder in relation to Brasel's death and is scheduled to appear in court on November 2 for a scheduling conference.
Meanwhile, in Missouri, a couple who owns a daycare now faces multiple child abuse charges. This comes after one of the owners was already in trouble for allegedly breaking a 1-year-old's leg when the child wouldn't clean up a toy. See detailed story here
Comments
Post a Comment