Former gang member who shot, killed 9-year-old granted new sentence

SAMOSET, Fla. (FOX 13) - Stacy Williams will never forget May 21, 2007. 

"Were you present when your son, Stacy was killed?" Assistant State attorney Art Brown asked Stacy Williams, Sr. in court Tuesday.

He replied, "Yes.” 

His 9-year-old son, Stacy Williams, Jr. was riding his bike in Samoset, Florida when a car pulled up. In the back seat was 15-year-old Orlando Valenzuela. 

Valenzuela, a gang member, armed himself with a gun and fired shots at a rival gang member. He missed his target and hit little Stacy twice, killing him. 

Valenzuela was sentenced to life without parole in 2008., but a Supreme Court ruling allowed him to be resentenced. 

On Thursday morning, Stacy Williams' father asked that Valenzuela remains behind bars for life. 

"Can you tell the court what you would think would be an appropriate sentence in this case?" asked Brown. 

Williams replied, "Life on life. That’s all I see.” 

His defense attorney argued Valenzuela grew up without a father and faced many challenges as a child. Those challenges led him to gang life.

An expert witness testified that Valenzuela found acceptance, for the first time, from the gang. 

"Adolescents, by virtue of their brain development, are more focused on 'Why should I? What is a reward outcome of their behavior?'" explained Dr. Kraim Yamout. 

Valenzuela's older brother also testified. He was once a gang member himself, but with help, he turned his life around. 

"All that kid stuff is in the past. Do I want to go back? No. I just hope in your heart that you give him a second chance," said Alberto Valenzuela. 

Orlando Valenzuela spoke, apologizing to Stacy's family. 

"If I had the power to trade my life for Stacy's, believe me, I would. I would rather you be happy than me live with guilt for killing your son," he said. 

Judge Riva re-sentenced Valenzuela to 40 years in prison followed by 10 years of probation. 
He will be eligible for parole after 25 years, but with time served, he could be eligible for parole in 14 years. 

Stacy's family said their little boy never even had a chance to experience life and Valenzuela's bad decision shattered their life. 

"He knew what he was doing when he got that gun. Meant to hurt somebody. It just meant to be my grandson," said his grandfather Michael Battie.