WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. (WJBK) – Danta Wright was in court Monday to learn his sentence for his part in the murder of 18-year-old Jordan Klee of Ann Arbor.
Wright entered a guilty plea to fatally shooting Klee last October – but before he learned his fate, he faced Klee’s family in court.
After being given the chance to speak in court, instead of remorse Wright taunted the victim’s family.
“I just wanted to tell y’all, I’ll be home soon,” Wright said. “I’ll be alright, I love my family.”
He was also seen smiling and laughing while a victim’s impact statement was read by the family.
The judge was appalled.
“You know, I have never in all my 23 years of prosecuting not accepted a sentence agreement that is bargained for, sentenced by the parties,” Washtenaw County Judge David Swartz said. “But watching you sit there and smile and laugh and shake your head like this is no big deal, I’m very tempted to just say I’m not going to accept this agreement, you’ll go to trial.”
The prosecutor says Wright is a member of gang who rapped about his lifestyle. Wright’s lawyer had a different story.
“Your honor, very briefly, it’s a rap. Raps don’t necessarily reflect reality,” he said.
In the end, Wright was sentenced for second degree murder of 23 to 50 years. The family of Klee did not want to go through the pain of a trial.
“This was supposed to be a year of celebration,” said Courtney Klee, Jordan’s cousin who read a statement on behalf of his mother. “Of senior pictures, prom and graduation parties. Instead it was a nightmare. A nightmare no parent should have to endure.
“Jordan has no future. Jordan can no longer choose to go to college. Jordan can no longer choose to change.”
Wright’s mother says her son is innocent.
“My son has been through issues that they never even used,” said Antronette Cartar, Wright’s mother. “I can’t stop him from not wanting to snitch on somebody and I will be coming for an appeal
WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. (WXYZ/CNN) – A 17-year-old who admitted to robbing and killing a man smiled and chuckled during his sentencing Monday.
The behavior angered the judge so much that he asked prosecutors to take the case to trial instead of accepting a plea deal.
Danta Wright sat in court smiling and nearly laughing as Jordan Klee’s mother shed tears for her son, shot and killed by Wright.
“I’ve lost laughter and love. I no longer have the hope of having grandchildren,” said cousin Courtney Klee, reading from the mother’s statement. “I’ve lost the enjoyment of holidays, birthdays and of everyday life.”
Wright addressed the court, showing no remorse.
“I just want to tell you all I’ll be home soon,” Wright said. “I love my family.”
The judge, clearly fed up with the defendant’s attitude, stopped the proceedings and asked the prosecution to consider taking this case to trial. Wright would face a stiffer punishment if found guilty by a jury.
“I’ve been watching you sit there, smile and laugh and shake your head like this was no big deal,” said Washtenaw County Court Judge David Swartz. “I’m very tempted to just say I’m not going to accept this sentence agreement. You will go to trial, and if you’re convicted of felony murder, you’ll go to prison for the rest of your life and that means you’ll die there.”
This is not the first time the teen had shocked the courtroom. During a June pretrial hearing, he admitted he shot and killed 18-year-old Jordan Klee.
Wright said he and two other friends were trying to rob the victim in October 2016, when he shot Jordan Klee in the back of the head, killing him.
The victim, a senior at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, was described as a high-achieving student and football athlete.
“This year was supposed to be a year of celebration, of senior pictures with prom, graduation and parties,” read Courtney Klee from the mother’s statement. “Instead it was a nightmare, a nightmare no parent should ever endure.”
Ultimately, Jordan Klee’s family decided not to take this case to trial and to move forward with the sentencing.
Defense attorney David Goldstein apologized on behalf of the 17-year-old.
“His smiling was in no way meant as disrespectful either to the family, to the victim or to this court,” Goldstein said.
Wright was sentenced to 23 to 50 years for armed robbery, felony firearm and second-degree murder of Jordan Klee. Two other teens that pleaded guilty for their roles in the murder are scheduled to be sentenced in September.
