Wis. man who killed neighbor teen gets life term

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A 76-year-old Milwaukee man who shot and killed his teen neighbor after accusing the boy of burglary has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole.

John H. Spooner was convicted last week of first-degree intentional homicide. He acknowledged shooting 13-year-old Darius Simmons in the chest last year while the teen’s mother watched.

At a sentencing hearing Monday, Judge Jeffrey Wagner denied Spooner the possibility of parole.

Darius’ mother, Patricia Larry, says justice was served when the jury rejected Spooner’s insanity plea. She still has a pending wrongful-death lawsuit against Spooner.

Some of Spooner’s shotguns were stolen in a break-in at his home two days before he killed Darius. Spooner told the jury he suspected the teen. Police searched Darius’ home and didn’t find the weapons.