Washington store owner gets 8 years for killing shoplifter

By Jennifer Cruz

Min Kim is placed in handcuffs before he is escorted out of court. (Photo: Komo News)
A Washington store owner who fatally shot an unarmed and fleeing shoplifter last March was sentenced in court Friday to spend eight years in prison.
Min Kim, 31, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder earlier this year. He initially faced up to life in prison, but prosecutors asked for 10 years, while Kim’s attorney asked for two years, according to reports from local media.
Kim said he fired in self-defense when the suspect, Jakeel Rashon Mason, 21, reached for his gun during the incident inside the Spanaway store on March 25, 2016. A struggle ensued after Kim caught Mason trying to steal from the store. But during his sentencing, Kim acknowledged that his actions were wrong.
“I’m here to take responsibility for my actions in taking Mason’s life,” Kim said in court. “I accept the consequences. I did not have the right to take his life.”
Kim added that he feels “terrible” about taking Mason’s life and that is something he will have to live with for the rest of his life.
Before Kim was handcuffed and escorted out of the courtroom, he asked the judge permission to write a letter

Source: Guns.com