TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — A suspect pleaded guilty to a murder charge in a fatal Tuscaloosa shooting from 2021 Thursday morning.
Justin Jenkins entered his plea in court for his role in the death of 19-year-old Vershaun Leonard, who was killed at his home on Willow Lane. Investigators say four suspects, including Jenkins, attempted to rob Leonard.
Leonard's aunt Latasha Williams and her family attended the hearing and said its one step closer to getting justice for her nephew.
"I am faith-driven and I am praying for forgiveness, but I am not there yet," Williams said. "I am hurt and angry. I hope and pray they get everything they deserve because we will never be the same. Our family has changed forever."
Williams says even though years have passed since Leonard's death, his family still mourns the young man taken too soon.
"This feels like I lost a child, and my sons feel like they lost a brother. It's been hard for everyone," she said. "He has sisters and they were his life and they don't have a brother anymore."
Judge Allen May did not decide Jenkins' sentencing during the hearing, which is the next step in the case. No date was set for the next hearing.