DETROIT – A Detroit man convicted of murder in a shooting that killed a 3-year-old girl and injured three of her family members was sentenced Friday to at least 40 years in prison.
A jury earlier this month found Donnie Everett guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Amiracle Williams.
Everett was accused of shooting the girl Oct. 16, 2014, during a fight outside her home on Mogul Street.
Amiracle's father, mother, and teen sister were also hit by the gunfire.
Detroit police Chief James Craig said the shooting stemmed from fight between the teen sister and another female. It became physical in front of the family's home and Amiracle's father, armed with a gun, saw the fight and tried to stop it.
At his sentencing, Everett admitted he had fired his gun, but maintained his innocence.
"I shot back because I was scared. I did not intentionally hit no one. I wasn't aiming for anyone," he said.
Everett was also sentenced for assault and gun charges.
Before the sentencing, a brawl broke out in the courthouse between friends and family of both Everett and William. Amiracle's father, Demetrius Williams, suffered a cut near his eye.
Video: Man arraigned on charges in 3-year-old's shooting
-- Amiracle Williams