A Rochester man has been sentenced to a state prison term of 8-10 years for the fatal shooting of his sister's boyfriend, Plymouth County authorities said. Cody Perry, 36, was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter and assault and battery with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury.

As reported by Boston 25 News, the conviction came after a disagreement turned deadly at a bonfire on April 7, 2023, at a New Bedford Road property. Perry and the victim, 41-year-old Justin Doberck, were involved in a conflict that accelerated when Perry returned inside the home to procure a firearm, subsequently using it to kill Doberck. Arriving without delay, police arrested Perry at the scene.

According to MassLive, the incident happened when both men were spending time together at a bonfire behind the residence. The evening ended tragically, with Doberck suffering a fatal gunshot wound and later being pronounced dead at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford.

Prosecutors had sought a harsher sentence, recommending 18 to 20 years during Friday’s hearing. "Prosecutors requested Perry receive an 18-to-20-year state prison sentence during a sentencing hearing on Friday," Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz mentioned in a statement obtained by MassLive. However, the court opted for the lesser term. Perry's conviction highlights the tragic consequences of gun violence, punctuating a dispute with irrevocable loss.