Teen convicted of dragging, seriously injuring detective sentenced

The teen who dragged Detective Dalsh Veve in June 2017, leaving him with severe injuries, was sentenced Wednesday.
Justin Murrell was sentenced to 16 months to four years in prison. The judge said that the fact Murrell was a minor at the time of the incident was taken into consideration.
As News 12 has reported, Murrell, who was 15 years old at the time of the incident, was acquitted of attempted murder by a jury back in December, but was found guilty of first-degree assault.
Investigators say Murrell was behind the wheel of a stolen car when he was stopped by Veve, who was investigating a report of gunshots in 2017.
That's when Murrell took off in the car, swerving and speeding for more than two blocks. The incident put Veve into a coma and left him with severe injuries.
During the trial, both prosecutors and the defense asked jurors to evaluate Murrell's intent, whether Murrell intended to kill Detective Veve when he sped off in the car.
The defense said Murrell couldn't have known that Veve was holding on to the car and what happened was an unintended consequence. Prosecutors say Murrell made a deliberate choice to speed and swerve to shake him off.
As for Veve, he was in a coma and then remained in rehab for almost a year. Veve was present inside the courtroom on Wednesday in a wheelchair.
Sources say he still has a long way to recovery and can't speak in complete sentences or walk on his own. Veve's wife was also at the sentencing and addressed the courtroom.
News 12 is told Murrell could be out in two years if he exhibits good behavior.
Patrolman's Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch was visibly outraged at the judge's decision
"I have been a police officer for 35 years I have never been I have never been so angry in my entire life," says Lynch. 
The District Attorney's Office says that Murrell has had numerous contacts with the criminal justice system, and was given many opportunities to turn his life around. They added that he has proven he has "no regard for the rule of law and is a danger to society."