A teen charged in connection to a fatal shooting on Fairview Drive in Hopkinsville in October was sentenced in Christian Circuit Court Wednesday afternoon.
16-year old Richard Rawlins, Jr. is charged with the death of 19-year old Alex Updegrove on October 4th. Police reported Rawlins and Updegrove were inside a Fairview Drive home when Rawlins threatened to kill him and then shot him at least one time. Rawlins then reportedly fled the area before officers arrived. Updegrove was pronounced dead at the scene by the Christian County Coroner’s Office.
Rawlins had previously entered a guilty plea as a youthful offender to first-degree manslaughter. During his sentencing Wednesday, his attorney’s requested probation based on his age and no previous behavioral issues. Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling said he opposed probation.
click to download audioFollowing Boling’s comments, the father of the victim read impact statements from the family and urged Rawlins to make something of himself.
Judge Self said that to say this is unimaginable for the two families would be an understatement. He then urged Rawlins to follow the request of Updegrove’s father.
click to download audioJudge Self then sentenced Rawlins to 10 years pursuant to the plea agreement.
