MINNEAPOLIS — With her little girl at her side in a Hennepin County Courtroom, Martha Timberlake described the lasting effects of what happened to her daughter.
"On New Year's Eve, I told her she might hear gunshots. And she told me that she thinks she's going to get shot again," Timberlake sobbed.
Her 5-year-old daughter Jayda was shot in the foot while sleeping in her own bed early one morning in August at their home on 4th street in North Minneapolis.
Timberlake says despite moving to a new home, Jayda is still afraid to sleep alone.
"A few nights ago, I found Jayda sleeping in her brother's closet. Because she was too scared to sleep in her room," Timberlake said while wiping away tears.
Marquell Johnson was convicted in November of drive-by shooting and assault. But he still denies pulling the trigger.
"I'm still not guilty. I'm innocent, so I hope I get the least time that I can," Johnson said at his sentencing hearing Tuesday.
Judge Kerry Meyer convicted Johnson in November after he chose for a court trial instead of jury trial.
"I have concerns that he'll remain a danger to the community upon his release," Judge Meyer said at the sentencing hearing.
Judge Meyer sentenced Johnson to 10 years in prison.
And the victim's mother showed him grace.
"But even through all this pain and trauma the defendant has caused, I forgive him and I pray he lets God into his life," Timberlake said.
Johnson's attorney said he will appeal the verdict and sentence. Under Minnesota rules, Johnson will spend 2/3 of his 10 year sentence behind bars.
