OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha man has been sentenced to 10 to 12 years in prison for the shooting death last year of his friend.
Keat Thon, 20, was sentenced Thursday for the July 30 shooting death of 19-year-old Nuer Yuek in the basement of Yuek’s home, the Omaha World-Herald reported. Thon had earlier pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Police have said Thon attempted to hide evidence in the shooting and told varying accounts of what happened before finally telling investigators that he and Yuek had been passing a gun back and forth and pointing it at each other. Thinking the gun was unloaded, Thon pointed it at Yuek’s chest and pulled the trigger, he told police.
Prosecutors said Thon showed little remorse for Yuek’s death. Police said that when he was informed that Yuek had died, Thon asked how he could retrieve his belongings.
Thon’s defense attorney said his client’s reaction was the product of an immature brain, citing studies that show people don’t fully process the consequences of their actions until they reach their mid-20s.
