More than three years after a Florida sheriff's deputy shot and killed his friend, roommate and fellow deputy while playing around with his firearm, Andrew Lawson pleaded guilty Jan. 15 to manslaughter in a plea agreement with the State Attorney's Office.
During an emotional and dramatic moment, Brevard County Sheriff's deputy Lawson took the witness stand and apologized for his actions.
"It broke my soul to know I took Austin's future away from him," Lawson said, stopping often to dry his eyes and regain his composure. "I stole a future that was not mine to take. I'm sorry. I apologize. Please forgive me."
The hearing ran long and will be continued at a later date, meaning Lawson will have to wait to see what his sentence will be. The plea agreement however does not stipulate an exact sentence for the crime, other than to cap any prison time at seven years.
That detail did not sit well with the family and supporters of the victim, 23-year-old Austin Walsh. They asked Circuit Judge Michelle Naberhaus to reject the agreement.
