This browser does not support the Video element.
Teen sentenced in high school wrestler's death
Kimberly Kuizon reports.
BRADENTON, Fla. - A Manatee County teen was sentenced on Wednesday to 20 years in prison in the March 2024 shooting death of high school wrestler, Jann Michael Feeney – also known as J.M.
Carter Layne's sentence will also be followed by six months of house arrest and 4 ½ years of probation. The defendant said the shooting was an accident and entered a plea of no contest to manslaughter in Feeney's death.
The backstory:
Feeney, a beloved Manatee High School student and wrestler, was killed when Layne pointed a pistol at his chest and pulled the trigger.
PREVIOUS: Coworkers remember 16-year-old wrestler killed in accidental shooting in Bradenton
"Carter pointed a loaded gun at J.M., and he killed him. He also killed me. My life is not the same. My passion and lust for life are gone," said Michael Feeney.
According to witnesses, Layne was playing with the gun, claiming it wasn't loaded, and pointing it at other teens before shooting Feeney. Friends also told the court that the defendant had been drinking and smoking marijuana.
Layne was just days shy of his 18th birthday at the time.
What they're saying:
Before the sentencing, Feeney’s loved ones feared Layne could have been granted a far more lenient sentence because of his age.
PREVIOUS: Community pushes for justice in death of Manatee High School wrestler
"There is a chance that Carter Layne could get youth offender status, and we feel that it's totally inappropriate in this case," family friend Nancy Ambrose said.
Supporters have written nearly 100 letters urging the court to deny Layne youthful offender status — a designation that could substantially reduce his punishment. The maximum sentence for manslaughter is 30 years, but with youthful offender status, Layne could face significantly less time.
"He needs to pay for what he’s done," said Andrew Guglumini, Feeney’s wrestling coach. "I'd be extremely disappointed and enraged if he ends up getting charged as a juvenile. That won't be anything."
Local perspective:
Feeney's impact was left not only in Manatee County, but across the world and all the way to the Philippines. Those who knew the 16-year-old will never forget him.
"His laugh echoes through my heart. Not a moment passes where I’m not missing my baby brother," said his sister, Yana Feeney.
For the last year and a half, his family's joy turned to grief in one instant.
"His life was stolen from him at only 16. Just a baby. There was supposed to be so much more for him and all the milestones we should be celebrating are now haunting us," said Yana.
Friends and family of J.M. packed the Manatee County Courthouse, wearing green, J.M.'s favorite color.
The other side:
As Carter Layne's sentencing hearing continued, Layne's family said he suffered from anxiety, depression and an unhealthy home life.
"My child is not the monster he is being portrayed as," said Megan Layne.
Layne spoke for the first time, apologizing for his actions.
"I want to say sorry. I’m single-handedly responsible for the death of J.M.," he said.
What's next:
Judge Frederick Mercurio heavily weighed the sentence given to the teen, saying, "Do everything you can to keep up your sobriety and everything else and come out of this having learned a lesson and benefit your life and make Mr. Feeney’s death meaningful."
For J.M.'s family and friends, their hearts remain broken with a loss that can never be filled.
"There was no joy in the outcome. The only thing this sentence does is allows us to move forward with a small sense of peace," said Michael Feeney.
The Source: This story was written with information gathered by FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon and Kellie Cowan. It includes previous information from FOX 13 News reports as well as details from Wednesday's sentencing hearing.