50 years for Darmequaye Cohill in death of baby Bill Thao: "My son got killed, so he don't deserve to be alive"
MILWAUKEE -- Darmequaye Cohill -- the man found guilty during a jury trial on two charges in connection with the December 2014 shooting death of baby Bill Thao -- was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Thursday, January 14th.
Darmequaye Cohill
Cohill was found guilty of first degree recklessly endangering safety, and first degree reckless homicide in the death of Bill Thao.
The criminal complaint says Cohill fired into a home near 73rd and Mill Road on December 27th, 2014. 13-month-old Bill Thao was playing with toys in the living room of that home. Thao was struck as shots were fired into the home. He died at Children's Hospital.
Bill Thao
Police say Cohill's intended target was Kwesen Sanders, a heroin dealer who lived nearby.
Police and prosecutors say Cohill fired into the wrong house. 41 total shots were fired into the home.
"Complete disregard for human life," Judge Jeffrey Wagner said on Thursday during Cohill's sentencing hearing.
Sanders had made a deal with prosecutors in exchange for his testimony identifying Cohill as the shooter, but then went back on that deal in front of a jury during Cohill's trial.
The jury found Cohill guilty anyway.
Bill Thao
On Thursday, Bill Thao's father pleaded with the judge to put Cohill away for a long time.
"I need to show you my son's picture. 120 years in prison. That is what I need. He earned it," Somboon Thao said.
Meanwhile, Cohill's attorney told the judge the wrong man has been convicted in this case.
Memorial set up in honor of Bill Thao
"There were 1,728 people in this country since 1989 who have been exonerated -- innocent people in prison for crimes they didn't commit. I'm confident that one day Mr. Cohill is going to be added to that list," Craig Powell said.
Powell said Cohill wasn't even at the scene when Bill Thao was shot.
Bill Thao's father said the 50-year prison sentence handed down to Cohill isn't enough.
"My son got killed, so he don't deserve to be alive, you know? 50 years is too short," Samboon Thao said.
In addition to the 50 years in prison, Cohill has been ordered to serve 25 years extended supervision.
Bill Thao and family
After the death of baby Bill Thao, Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn called 2014 the worst year he's seen when it comes to gun violence against kids. CLICK HERE to access those remarks.
CLICK HERE to access a collection of coverage in this case via FOX6Now.com.