Chicago

Gunman Sentenced to 84 Years in Prison for Hadiya Pendleton's Killing

Micheail Ward faces more than 50 years in prison during his sentencing hearing Monday

A Chicago man was sentenced to 84 years in prison for fatally shooting a 15-year-old honor student a week after she performed at then-President Barack Obama's inauguration festivities in 2013. 

Hadiya Pendleton became a symbol of Chicago's gun violence when she was caught in the crossfire of a gang feud. She died about a week after performing in Washington as a majorette with her high school band.

Micheail Ward faced more than 50 years in prison during his sentencing hearing Monday. Jurors convicted the 24-year-old of murder and aggravated battery in August. Co-defendant Kenneth Williams was convicted of being the getaway driver.

Pendleton was shot on Jan. 29, 2013, at a park about a mile from the Obamas' Chicago home. Obama spoke of her death during his 2013 State of the Union address, and then-first lady Michelle Obama attended the girl's funeral.

After testifying Tuesday, Hadiya Pendleton’s mother watched as the man accused of gunning down her daughter–Micheail Ward–spent almost an entire day dodging police questions about the circumstances surrounding her murder. NBC 5’s Charlie Wojciechowski reports.  
Copyright AP - Associated Press
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