In delivering his sentence, Musseman recalled trial evidence that Bates killed Harris “because he didn’t know what weapon he had in his hand.”

“(Bates) found himself in that position because of his own decisions,” Musseman told the court, citing testimony that Bates had requested to join the task force operation the night before.

Bates was a model citizen until he found himself in that position, Musseman said, adding that he has read hundreds of pages of letters detailing Bates’ service to the community.

After Musseman delivered the sentence, Charlotte Bates told reporters she was “devastated.”

“My husband is a wonderful pillar of this community,” Charlotte Bates said. “It was a tragic accident, which we are all scarred for life because this man died. And to put my husband in prison for four years — my husband will die — and I want all of you to know you’re part of the responsibility for that.”

Bates’ daughter also placed blame on the media, telling reporters as she hurriedly left the courtroom: “I hope you all feel good about yourselves.”