A St. Louis teen accused of participating in the murder of a retired police officer has been sentenced to enter a juvenile detention program, reports said.
16-year-old Justin Mathews was also sentenced to a suspended 20-year prison-term for his role in the 2018 armed robbery and murder of Sgt. Ralph Harper.
In October, Mathews has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, robbery, and other crimes. Jayleen Garner, 17, was also charged in the case.
Mathews could be released on probation at age 21 if he successfully completes the juvenile program that includes counseling and vocational training. Otherwise, he could go to jail for the next 20 years.
Mathews helped Garner kill the 33-year police veteran by providing the weapon and waiting in a stolen SUV.
