Riley sentenced to 30 years in prison for Cort homicide

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A Milwaukee County judge sentenced Laquan Riley on Friday, March 15th to 30 years in prison plus another 12 years of extended supervision.

Riley was found guilty of second-degree reckless homicide and two other charges for killing Vincent Cort in June 2010.

Cort was shot and killed in a parking lot of Jack’s Liquor Store The criminal complaint in the case says Cort had just come out of the store and got back into the driver’s seat of his car when Riley approached. Riley allegedly then reached inside the car with a gun, pointed it and stated, “Give it up.”

Vincent Cort

The complaint reads, “At that point Vincent started to pull away. (Phillip) Epps stated that Epps ducked down looking away and then heard one shot from the firearm that Riley was holding. Epps stated that Vincent then drove the car about three or four houses away and then stated, ‘I think I’ve been shot.’ Vincent then let go of the wheel and was touching his chest area. Epps stated that he then took the wheel of the vehicle and then pushed Vincent’s foot off the gas pedal.”

Cort died at St. Joseph Hospital about a half-hour later.

"This defendant stole everything he murdered and robbed from us but he can't take our memories our love devotion admiration," said Theresa Cort, the victim's sister. "Vincent loved that bright orange Delta, thank God Vincent has enough strength to drive off and you never got my brother's car you killed Vincent in vain."

Riley addressed the court and the victim's family as he showed little remorse, and asked for lenience.

"I'm sorry for your loss but I asked the judge to take acknowledge that, my innocence, I would like to remain innocent," said Riley.

But Judge David Borowski did not show lenience, after Riley tried explaining how his past criminal history that includes robbery, armed robbery, auto theft, and unlawful possession of a firearm don't define him as a person.

"What you just said Mr RIley is absolutely untrue," said Borowski. "Your mother has raised a career criminal, and your mother should be embarrassed and disgraced at what she's raised."

There are conditions on Riley's extended supervision. He must complete 500 hours of community service, have no contact with the victim's family, submit to random urine tests, and attend treatment and counseling programs.

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