BALTIMORE — The man who plead guilty to pulling the trigger that killed three-year-old McKenzie Elliott in August 2014 has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.
RELATED: Killer of 3-year-old McKenzie Elliott pleaded guilty in federal court
In U.S. District Court, Judge George L. Russell ruled 30-year-old Terrell Plummer to serve the time in addition to five years probation after he is set to be released for one count of federal racketeering conspiracy charges.
Part of Plummer's plea was admitting to several drug possession charges, but also a slew of violent crimes including the shooting death of McKenzie.
In August 2014, three-year-old McKenzie was shot and killed by Plummer in a crossfire during a turf battle in Waverly. Police say she was hit by a stray bullet while playing on a porch.
Plummer said the bullet was meant for a rival gang member in retaliation to a stabbing incident that happened months prior. He was subsequently arrested and charged in April 2017 for McKenzie's murder. Plummer's co-defendant, 25-year-old Tyrone Jamison, told police he supplied the gun used in the gang battle.
Jamison was not charged with McKenzie's murder, but was charged with federal racketeering conspiracy along with Plummer.
ATF and Baltimore City Police detectives then launched an investigation into the Old York Money Gang in the Waverly neighborhood. They learned the group sold drugs throughout the area, and enforced their territory using guns and killing rivals.
Detectives were also able to federally indict other members of the OYMG.
During sentencing, both families were offered an opportunity to share remarks with Judge Russell before the final ruling. Nina Epps, McKenzie's mother, walked to the podium tearfully questioning why did her daughter have to die.
"You don't know my life story, the battles I've overcome. I've tried to accomplish so much," Epps said in court. "McKenzie was my first accomplishment."
As she fought back tears, she and Judge Russell discussed crime in Baltimore. Both were dumbfounded as to why so many shootings and acts of violence were happening across the city.
"It seem like since McKenzie's death, more and more children have been the target of gun violence and it's not right," Epps said.
Plummer was offered an opportunity to speak and expressed remorse for McKenzie's death, he said "I don't care who's in here right now, I'm going to be honest with you," referencing Epps. 'I signed this plea to get home to my family. I didn't have nothing to do with the death of your child."
Judge Russell then doubled down and said Plummer admitted to firing the weapon that ultimately struck McKenzie adding that his words were 'selfish and cowardice.'
"He pled guilty to a range of violence and drug trafficking activity in federal court and that's what he was held accountable today by Judge Russell," U.S. Attorney Robert Hur said after the sentencing.
