The man who shot and killed 13-year-old Sinzae Reed in 2022 was sentenced Monday to six months in jail and three years of probation on related charges.
Krieg Butler, 38, was not on trial for killing Reed, because the shooting at the Wedgewood Apartments was ruled self defense. Butler was tried on other charges related to the shooting, when he pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence and improperly handling firearm in a vehicle.
Butler agreed to testify if someone else is arrested for Reed's death.
There are unresolved elements of the case, including who may have caused an apparent gun fight between Butler and Reed.
Police said witnesses saw Reed fire a gun at Butler, and then saw someone collect the gun and shell casings after Reed was shot.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys said during the trial that a man threatened to kill Butler or have him killed. The man left town after Butler killed Reed and is allegedly in hiding in a different state. The defense said the man was angry at Butler after a woman told him Butler had abused her.
Franklin County Assistant Prosecutor David Zeyen recommended the imposed sentence.
The charge of improperly handling a firearm carries a possible sentence of 18 months, while the charge of tampering with evidence carries a possible sentence of three years.
