Eighteen-year-old Ta Mla was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Michael Brasel, a St. Paul hockey coach, back in May, as reported by FOX 9.
The court heard that the 44-year-old victim had confronted Mla and another individual, Kle Swee, while they were attempting to steal items from cars. Brasel approached them outside his house in the Saint Anthony Park neighborhood, and during the confrontation, Swee shot Brasel multiple times. Mla was behind the wheel at the time and is said to have driven the group away from the scene. Mla was reportedly caught in June during a traffic stop when the weapon used in the shooting was found in his car; he also had a history of juvenile offenses related to gun possession, according to TwinCities.com.
An emotional scene unfolded in court as Brasel's widow, Hilary, addressed Mla, expressing the devastating impact of her husband's death on their family. At the same time, Mla offered a short apology, "Sorry for your loss and I just want to say that I am sorry. That's it," Mla stated in court as per FOX 9.
