Teen sentenced to 25 years for Albuquerque killing

ALBUQUERQUE — The teenager who pleaded guilty to killing an Albuquerque homeowner during a late-night string of burglaries and other property crimes with a band of youths was ordered Wednesday to serve 25 years in prison.

A judge sentenced Jeremiah King, 18, for the 2015 murder of Steven Gerecke during a court hearing attended by the victim's family and friends.

King had reached a plea agreement with prosecutors in December in which he admitted to first-degree murder and other charges. Because of the murder conviction, King was not entitled to a hearing to determine whether he should be sentenced as a juvenile or an adult.

Under the plea agreement, King was eligible to receive a sentence of up to 25 years, the Albuquerque Journal reported.

Prosecutor Larissa Callaway urged the judge to "send a message" to other youthful offenders.

King's attorney asked for a sentence that was "just and fair."

Police said King and five other teens attacked the 60-year-old Gerecke in the driveway of his home in northeast Albuquerque. The popular bartender was found with multiple gunshot wounds.

Court documents say the teens had been stealing from several cars and homes in the neighborhood before King killed Gerecke. The other teens reached plea agreements on related charges.

King apologized during his sentencing hearing.

"I know I made the biggest mistake of my life and I can't change it," he said.

His mother asked the judge to give her son a second chance, suggesting that King could beat the odds and possibly contribute to society.

Gerecke's family described the victim as a problem solver, a listener, a practical joker and an enthusiastic storyteller. They said what King did that night was unforgivable.