"To Hunter's family, I'm truly sorry:" 40 years in prison for Marcus Johnson in death of 3-year-old boy

RACINE COUNTY -- In court in Racine County on Monday, November 30th, Marcus Johnson learned his fate -- accused in the 2013 death of three-year-old Hunter Wise. The child died after he was dipped in scalding water.

In August, 28-year-old Johnson pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of first degree reckless homicide in connection with the May 2013 death of Hunter Wise.

Hunter Wise

Autopsy results indicate the little boy died as a result of the shock he experienced when Johnson dipped him into a tub of scalding hot water -- as punishment for the boy having soiled himself.

"You showed no remorse," Judge Michael Piontek said during Johnson's sentencing hearing.

Prior to the judge issuing a sentence on Monday, both Wise's father and Johnson read prepared statements.

"Marcus, you don't understand how hard it is for me to live my days when you took something precious away from me and now I have to live my whole life without him. I can barely handle it. I want you to spend the rest of your life in prison and every night and every day I want you to sit and think about what you took away from me and I want you to think about my kid that I have in my hands. I want you to remember that you took my only pride that I have away from me," Joe Wise said.

Hunter Wise

"To Hunter's family, I'm truly sorry. I have failed you in the ultimate way. I really wish I could bring him back," Marcus Johnson said.

Johnson was then sentenced to serve 40 years in prison, and 10 years extended supervision.

The young boy's father, Joe Wise, says he doesn't feel the sentence is sufficient. He added that he wishes Wisconsin had the death penalty.

Hunter Wise