Jersey City mom speaks out after 12-year-old son's killer gets life in prison

JERSEY CITY, New Jersey (WABC) -- A New Jersey man who fatally shot a 12-year-old boy and injured the boy's father will spend the rest of his life in prison.

The deadly shooting happened during a robbery in Jersey City in May of 2013, and the victim's family spoke out after the sentencing Friday.

"I've had many sleepless nights just because for the simple fact I miss him," mom Fania Williams said. "He's not here."

Elijah Levine -- a loving son, big brother and standout football player -- would have turned 15 in September.

"He was genuine, loving," she said. "He was a child who meant the world to us."

While making an emotional plea before a judge Friday, Williams recalled how Elijah's hopes and dreams were suddenly stolen in May 2013 when he was gunned down playing basketball outside their home.

"I miss him, I miss him, I just miss him," aunt Tamika Levine said. "Taking a child's life is not right. He's just starting his life, and a split second..."

Farrarhd Gunter, 37, was convicted in April of the fatal shooting which police say was a botched robbery attempt of Elijah's father.

"It's not fair for him to just go around shooting people," aunt Mary Ann Coffee said.

Prosecutors say Gunter robbed and shot another man the same night as Elijah's murder, and with his 10 prior convictions, they asked the judge for an extended sentence.

"Mr. Gunter's led a life of crime," Hudson County assistant prosecutor Leo Rinaldi said. "That's what he's contributed to this society."

Gunter maintained he did not kill Elijah, and he briefly addressed the victim's family in court.

"I'm sorry to the family, but I didn't do nothing to your child," he said. "It wasn't me."

Superior Court Judge John Young didn't bite his tongue before delivering his sentence.

"Something is wrong when somebody like you can go out and victimize innocent people," Judge Young said.

Gunter received life in prison, plus 50 years for felony murder and armed robbery.