"I feel really bad. I'd give my life to bring him back, but I know I can't do that. I pray every night for him. I hope he's in a good place," the 17-year-old said at his sentencing hearing Tuesday. The young offender can't be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

"He didn't start this. He wasn't the one who was jealous. His role can only be described as a follower... someone who was so easily influenced that night to do something that was wrong," the lawyer said.

"If he remains in custody, the court will lose all control over him and he will simply be warehoused," [Mark Wasyliw] said. He reminded [Brenda Keyser] the YCJA makes it clear retribution or punishment can't form the basis of a youth sentence.