Brooks Cleary received his punishment this week for the killing of Hailey Johnson.
A Georgia A man who prosecutors said sat on a shotgun covered under clothes and told first responders his girlfriend had a seizure when she had been shot in the head was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Brooks Cleary, 22, learned his fate this week in the death of Hailey Johnson, 21, on Dec. 26, 2022. He was found guilty of concealing the death of another, making false statements, and two counts of interference with government property.
Questions remained over her manner of death after an autopsy deemed it undetermined.
Barbara Johnson, the victim's mother, expressed uncertainty about the evidence surrounding her daughter's death, mentioning that it was unclear whether it was suicide or homicide. WSB-TV.
Prosecutors sought a 25-year sentence, but the judge raised doubts about the charge of concealing the death being proven beyond a reasonable doubt. WXIA reported.
Cobb County Superior Court Judge Jason Marbutt suggested that a charge related to tampering with evidence might have been more fitting, given the circumstances of the case.
Cleary's lawyer intended to request a new trial based on this information.
The victim's family was unhappy with the outcome, feeling that justice was not served for their daughter.
Barbara Johnson expressed devastation, believing that the sentence did not match the actions of the perpetrator. The defendant testified that he was blackout drunk during the incident, recalling only brief moments of seeking help and instructing someone to call 911..
Hailey Johnson had recently turned 21 when she was killed. WSB-TV reported.
Her mother described her as a caring daughter who had previously nursed her back to health when she was seriously ill.
She also highlighted Hailey's loving and supportive nature towards her younger sister.
She mourned the loss of her daughter and expressed deep sorrow and distress. GoFundMeShe credited Hailey with aiding in her recovery and being an exceptional sibling and daughter.
A Georgia man who prosecutors said sat on a shotgun covered under clothes and told first responders his girlfriend had a seizure when she had been shot in the head was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
“I’m able to use a walker, drive and function all due to Hailey and Stella taking such good care of me,” she said. “She was the most incredible big sister to Stella, always providing love, support and comfort; she was a perfect daughter, she regularly woke me up with a good morning text that always brightened my day.”