Teen Sentenced to Prison for Shooting Sister in Salt Lake City Home

Salt Lake City, Utah – A tragic incident unfolded in a Salt Lake City home, resulting in the sentencing of an 18-year-old for the shooting death of his 13-year-old sister. Joseph Michael Landers was convicted and sentenced to one to 15 years in prison by Third District Judge Matthew Bates on Monday.

The harrowing events transpired when Landers pulled out a gun in the presence of his sister, Angelica “Kica” Hernandez, and three other children. Witnesses reported that Landers pointed the gun at his sister’s head, contemplating whether to pull the trigger. Ultimately, he shot his sister, prompting him to express remorse immediately after the incident.

As part of the sentencing, Landers received credit for the time he has already served in custody, acknowledged by multiple employees at the Weber County Youth Facility as a sign of his acceptance of responsibility. Due to his age at the time of the offense, Landers will be transferred to Utah State Prison upon turning 25 if not released earlier by the Board of Pardons and Parole.

Landers entered a guilty plea to manslaughter, which was reduced from a murder charge, and a second charge related to the use of a weapon was not included in the amended charges. Prior to sentencing, Landers and his mother had the opportunity to address the judge, shedding light on the emotional toll of the tragic events and the impact on both families involved.

The courtroom proceedings highlighted the complexity of the case and the lasting repercussions of gun violence within families. The tragic loss of a young life has left a community grappling with the aftermath, underscoring the importance of accountability and the need for rehabilitation for offenders like Landers. As the legal process moves forward, the hope remains for healing and justice to prevail for all those affected by this devastating incident.