Gabriel Parker Sentenced to Life in Prison

Marshall County High School shooter Gabriel Parker was sentenced to life in prison on each of two murder charges during a hearing on Friday.

He was also sentenced on fourteen assault charges by Marshall County Circuit Judge James Jameson. The assault sentences are of varying lengths but will run concurrent to the life sentences.

Because Parker was under 18 years old at the time of the shooting, he was not eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without parole. He will be eligible for parole after 20 years.

Parker was 15 years old when he fired a handgun into a crowd of students before classes started at Marshall County High School on Jan. 23, 2018. Two other 15-year-olds, Bailey Holt and Preston Cope, were killed. He later was charged as an adult. 

Several victims and family of victims shared their impassioned experiences from during the shooting, and the lasting effects the shooting had on their lives. 

Bailey Holt's mother, Secret Holt, addressed Parker during the sentencing. 

She said, "I want to tell you what you took away from us. You took away the little girl that called me momma for the first time, a big sister to Lilly, a granddaughter, niece, cousin and a dear friend to so many. She was the most precious, beautiful, and selfless soul on this Earth and you took her from us. She was absolutely perfect in every way. She was my best friend and we looked forward to doing so many things together." 

She continued by calling him a demon numerous times, and wishing that Parker had killed himself instead. Bailey's father also addressed Parker, saying that he hopes every day in prison is a living hell for him. 

Parker previously pleaded guilty on April 28 to two counts of murder, and 14 counts of assault.