Jonathan Sellers gets 17.5 years in prison in death of popular club promoter Christopher Gray

Jonathan Sellers gets 17.5 years in prison in death of popular club promoter

MILWAUKEE COUNTY (WITI) -- Two mothers made emotional statements in a Milwaukee County courtroom Friday morning, March 20th as one of the men convicted of killing popular Milwaukee club promoter Christopher Gray (Cali Kris) was sentenced.

Christopher Gray

A Milwaukee County judge sentenced Jonathan Sellers on to 17.5 years in prison and another 12.5 years of extended supervision for his role in Gray's death.

"My life will never be the same, Jonathan Sellers. You robbed me from seeing my son's smile, to hug him, to enjoy his laughter," said Lisa Fanroy, Gray's mother.

Sixteen months after her son's murder, Fanroy was finally able to address Sellers.

"It was easier than I thought it was gonna be. You know, I'm glad I got a chance to let him know how he hurt so many people and his bad decision affected so many people so I hope this was a message," said Fanroy.

23-year-old Sellers pleaded guilty to felony murder.

According to court records, Sellers confessed to burglarizing Gray's home in November of 2013. When the popular club promoter, known to many as 'Cali Kris', came home during the burglary, Sellers and his accomplice, 17-year-old Melvin Jones, attacked Gray -- Jones beating him with a hammer.

"Whatever you give my son, that's what he gets," said Michelle Beard, Sellers' mother.

An emotional Beard apologized to Gray's family, saying she worked hard to keep her son from ending up before a judge.

"I wish I could give my life to give her son back or my son give his life to give her son back because it's unfair he had to lose his life over material things," said Beard.

Sellers himself, who wiped away tears during his mother's statement, also apologized to Gray's family.

"I'm completely disgusted with myself. I believe that I deserve whatever punishment is given to me," said Sellers.

Fanroy said no sentence can ease her pain, but added she would be satisfied if her son's story can prevent senseless violence.

"I just hope this will send a message out to the young people, or everyone, that one bad decision can destroy so many people. Even if you're not trying to, it does," said Fanroy.

Police initially arrested four people in this case. However, prosecutors said they only had enough evidence to charge two people.

Melvin Jones was 16 at the time of the crime, but he's charged as an adult. He changed his plea to 'guilty' earlier this month and will be sentenced in May.