Jacksonville, Fla. — The woman found guilty of killing a teen during a fight at a local gas station is going to spend 35 years in prison.
Action News Jax Alexus Cleavenger was at the Duval County Courthouse Friday for Shaetavia Cooper’s sentencing.
Family members for both the defendant and the victim testified.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
Read: Moncrief residents demand answers after flooding leaves them trapped
“I’m sorry for your loss on the family’s side,” said Tasha Sanders, one of Cooper’s family members.
A judge sentenced the 27-year-old to 35 years in prison for shooting and killing teenager Teneria McClendon in 2020.
In January of 2023, a judge declared a mistrial in Cooper’s first Trial.
The jury stated in a letter they could not agree on a verdict.
Read: Jacksonville police seek information in New Town armed robbery
But then this past July, a second jury found Cooper guilty of killing 16-year-old McClendon. They were both at a Wawa on the west side in July 2020.
A witness told police the two got into an argument that escalated before Cooper started shooting.
During Cooper’s sentencing hearing Friday, Shaetavia’s mom, Tasha Sanders, told the judge her daughter has been through a lot of trauma.
And Cooper apologized to Teneria’s family, showing remorse.
“I know that apologizing would not bring Teneria McClendon back, but I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me for taking her life,” said Cooper.
Teneria’s family, meanwhile, continues to grieve and search for closure.
“When she was shot, it was hard to describe the pain knowing there was nothing that I could do,” said Sharonica Eady, Teneria’s mother. “I also have to combat the traumatic memories.”
Read: Teen charged in Georgia school shooting and his father to stay in custody after hearings
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.