Man Sentenced For 2010 Deadly FIU Stabbing
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The man convicted in the stabbing death of a Florida International University football player has been sentenced to nearly two dozen years in prison.
Last August, a jury found Quentin Wyche was found guilty of stabbing running back Kendall Berry to death on Florida International University's main campus in March 2010 with a pair of scissors.
Investigators said the fight started when Wyche, who was a FIU student, insulted Berry's girlfriend.
During Monday's hearing Wyche spoke directly to Berry's family.
"I made a mistake, I had no intention to hurt your son," Wyche said. "Now that I have the opportunity to speak, I want to say I'm really sorry for your son. I know the situation could have been easily avoided. At last, would you forgive me?"
Kendall Berry's mother Melisscia Spillman was compelled to speak after hearing his words. She looked at Wyche and tearfully said, "We do forgive."
Berry's stepfather told the judge that the worst thing that had ever happened to him in was on March 25th, 2010 when Kendall was killed.
Troy Bradley, a Baptist minister, spoke in support of Wyche. He told the judge that he has known Wyche for years and he was a part of the youth ministry.
"I was proud of Quentin because he was trying and striving to make a better life for himself and his family," he said. "I've been praying for him and the families on both sides."
Wyche contended that the stabbing was in self-defense as Berry had picked a fight with him outside the school's recreation center, with more than a dozen of Berry's buddies and fellow football players backing him up.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge sentenced Wyche to 20 and half years, he'll be given credit for time served during his house arrest. He was also given five years of probation.
