ALBANY, N.Y. - 18-year-old Jah-Lah Vanderhorst was sentenced to the maximum of 25 years behind bars in Albany County Court Wednesday for the death of another Albany teen during a fight last year.
Vanderhorst, a father of three children, was found guilty of first-degree manslaughter in June for killing 17-year-old Tyler Rhodes during a fight in Hoffman Park last April. The fight was recorded on cell phone camera and used as evidence during his trial.
In an unexpected turn of events, Vanderhorst decided to get married just moments before he was scheduled to be sentenced.
Rhodes' mother, Stacey Rhodes, gave a victim impact statement before the judge announced his sentence. Vanderhorst declined to speak.
Stacey Rhodes spoke to the media after that sentencing and said she had mixed emotions about the judge's decision. "Happiness, sadness. We all lost," she said. "Hopefully Tyler can rest in peace now."
Rhodes was a standout on the Albany High School track team at the time of his death.
Albany County District Attorney David Soares says Vanderhorst lacked remorse and called the timing of Vanderhorst's decision to marry in "bad form."
Vanderhorst's parents spoke out after the sentencing, defending their son and explaining that Rhodes had been bullying him.
"I don't blame my son for defending himself. I praise him," said Vanderhorst's father, who declined to give his name.
Police say Vanderhorst intentionally stabbed Rhodes in his upper chest with a knife in broad daylight in front of witnesses, including children, and a second defendant, 19-year-old Dhoruba Shuaib, worked with Vanderhorst in doing this when he physically blocked Rhodes from behind, restricting his ability to move and further providing Vanderhorst the opportunity to stab him. Shauaib is currently serving a 21 year sentence.
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