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71-Year Prison Sentence Handed To Evanston Man Convicted Of 2012 Murder

SKOKIE, Ill. (AP) — A 71-year prison sentence has been handed a suburban Chicago man convicted of killing a 14-year-old boy in 2012.

Dajae Coleman, an Evanston Township High School freshman, was walking with a group of friends when he shot to death.

Wesley Woodson of Evanston was eventually identified as the suspect, arrested and charged with first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted first-degree murder. The 28-year-old Woodson was convicted in 2017.

Cook County Circuit Judge Lauren Edidin on Thursday heard testimony about Woodson's history of violence, drug use and disciplinary problems in high school and jail.

The victim's father, Richard Coleman, told the judge that one senseless act ruined his life.

Coleman's family later said that after seven years of court appearances they are grateful to put this behind them.

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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