GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — The teen responsible for the accidental shooting death of Nicholas Crow was sentenced to 2 years in the Division of Youth Corrections.

The now 15-year-old first told police that Crow shot himself, but an investigation and third teen witness confirmed Crow’s injuries were not self-inflicted.

Members of both families spoke in court. Two of Crow’s uncles, an aunt and his mother made emotional pleas to Judge Garcia asking him to incarcerate the defendant in a juvenile facility for two years. One of the defendant’s grandfathers and his father plead for mercy. They said the shooting was a terrible accident.

Prosecutors told the court they did not believe the fatal shooting was a simple accident, claiming it was both reckless and irresponsible.

The defendant himself spoke just moments before the judge issued a sentence. Clearly upset and crying, the teen apologized to Crow’s family and said the victim was one of his closest friends.

The law required the court to place the teen defendant out of his home for at least one year. Judge Garcia handed him a two-year sentence in the Division of Youth Corrections, minus the five months he’s already served.

The teen was remanded Friday to start his sentence.