Attorneys for men convicted of killing Jacksonville toddler ask for minimum sentence

The attorneys for two young men convicted of killing a Jacksonville toddler asked a judge for the minimum sentence Thursday.

Henry Hayes and Kquame Richardson face maximum sentences of life in prison for Aiden McClendon’s death in 2016.

They are both 19 years old.

RELATED STORY: Aiden McClendon trial: Day 1 of testimony in murder of Jacksonville toddler

“He didn’t deserve it. He was a baby. There is no justification for what was done to my child,” Aiden’s mother Tomeshia Brown testified during Thursday’s sentencing hearing.

Aiden’s family was in tears as they showed the courtroom videos and photos of Aiden, set to a song written about the 22-month-old’s loss.

Hayes and Richardson were convicted last month in the toddler’s murder.

RELATED STORY: Two teens found guilty of murder in Jacksonville toddler's death

Prosecutors said Aiden was caught in the crossfire of a gang shootout on Jacksonville’s Eastside.

Aiden was shot while riding in his car seat in his family’s car.

Aiden’s great-grandmother Mary Thomas called Hayes and Richardson “cowardly, cold and heartless.”

RELATED STORY: Teen accused in fatal shooting arrested for battery on inmate

“I don’t believe they meant to kill Aiden, but they meant to kill, and we would have been just considered collateral damage,” Thomas said.

RELATED STORY: Family of 22-month-old killed says arrests are answered prayers

Richardson briefly addressed Aiden’s family, saying he did not kill the toddler and offering to take a lie detector test.

Judge Steven Whittington told Richardson he could not do that.

“I’m sorry for y’all’s loss. Keep a positive mindset,” Richardson told the family.

They thanked him.

Whittington chose not to make his decision Thursday, taking his time to weigh the testimony and victim impact statements before issuing sentences for Hayes and Richardson on Aug. 23.

Cox Media Group