The sentence for a Ville Platte teenager who pleaded guilty to manslaughter following a 2019 shooting on Legion Street has been affirmed by the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal.

J’Vonte Sterling was sentenced in 2021 by Judge Clayton Davis to 20 years in prison for the death of 23-year-old Eddie Hardman.

At the time of the shooting, Lake Charles Police told the American Press that Hardman was discovered in the parking lot of an apartment complex suffering from a gunshot wound. He later died at a local hospital.

In his plea agreement, Sterling — who was 17 at the time — admitted shooting Hardman, his mother’s boyfriend, following a domestic disturbance at the complex.

Sterling was initially indicted for second-degree murder and pleaded not guilty, but later entered a guilty plea to the amended charge of manslaughter.

On May 27, 2021, Sterling appealed the sentence, stating that due to his age, that 20 years was excessive.

He alleged he was “ill-equipped to handle the emotionally charged situation he found himself thrust in.”

The court rejected his claim, stating his “midrange sentence” is comparable to sentences received by others charged with manslaughter and the trial court did not abuse its discretion by giving Sterling the 20-year sentence.