The mother of a slain Ohio teen brought his ashes to court Thursday, the day his killer learned his fate.
Steven Sopko, 17, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 31 years for shooting Braylon Hardges 13 times and killing him last year.
The 14-year-old victim and Sopko were leaving the latter’s girlfriend’s home on Nov. 5, 2023, when Sopko bent down to let Braylon walk in front of him.
The murderer then fired 12 shots into Braylon’s back and added another shot once the victim fell to the ground.
Braylon’s mom addressed the court through tears as she held an urn containing his remains.
“My baby would have had so much to offer. I wanted the world to know what he did to my baby. That’s what I’m left with. This is all I’ve got,” Seaerra LeFlore said.
“I wanted him to say why. I think the world wants to know why.”
