A Michigan man will spend decades behind bars for the shooting death of a 15-year-old girl who was riding her scooter with friends while celebrating a birthday in downtown Grand Rapids.

Josiah Tyree Pittman, 19, was sentenced to 27 to 52 years in prison for second-degree murder and felony firearms in the death of La’Kyijah Williams. Pittman pleaded guilty to the charges in August.

Pittman was walking in the area just before midnight on May 18, 2024, when he pulled out a gun and fired into the group of teens La’Kyijah was with, according to a courtroom report from local ABC affiliate WZZM. The teen girl was struck in the head and died. Surveillance video captured the shooting.

Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Blair Lachman said Pittman claimed he shot at the teens out of “fear or concern.” However, that explanation made no sense because the group of teens did not know Pittman, Lachman said.

“There was no exchange. There’s no exchange of words,” he said, per WZZM. “So number one, this doesn’t show remorse. This shows anything but that. It’s an excuse that is unsupported by any piece of evidence; it raises serious concerns that if he’s not going to be remorseful for his actions, that he will be someone who, when he gets out, would do the same thing.”

For his part, Pittman apologized for his actions.

“Even though La’Kyijah was not my intended target, I was wrong, nonetheless, for letting the devil take control of my actions on that horrible day,” he told the court. “I’m aware I can never get her mother and her father the daughter back, or put an end to the stuff that I caused. I’m sorry. And though it is highly unlikely, highly unlikely, I hope that La’Kyijah’s family and friends can find it in their heart to forgive what I’ve done. I understand them fully if they refuse to do so, because forgiveness is a gift that I honestly do not deserve.”

According to her obituary, La’Kyijah was a freshman in high school with a “joyful spirit” who enjoyed playing basketball. Her death has left a lasting impact on her family. The victim’s mother, Shaqueta Matheson, said she’s now constantly fearful about the safety of her surviving children.

“I’ve struggled with fear, anxiety, and overwhelming stress,” Matheson said. “This tragedy has affected every part of my life. I’ve been unable to work and have developed health issues from this trauma.”