Teenagers sent to prison for playground homicide

GRAND RAPIDS – "We are sorry."

"We wish we could bring him back."

"We never meant to kill him."

Those were the statements in Kent County Circuit Court on Tuesday from Robert Kelly, 18, and Domnard White, 17, after watching cell phone video that showed them beating and kicking Scott Simerson into a coma.

Kelly and White were in court for sentencing after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

Last May, Simerson was watching over some children on a playground at Sibley School in Grand Rapids. When he noticed some older boys he thought were harassing the children, he moved the children away. That's when he was attacked by White, Kelly and 2 juveniles.

"Mr. Simerson was surrounded by 4 young men looking for all the world like they were wolves closing in on their prey," Judge Donald Johnston said after the prosecution played the cell phone video of the assault. "They ganged up on him striking blows, kicking him and causing his death."

Before sentencing, Simerson's father, Edward Simerson, asked the judge to impose stiff punishment.

"They were so nonchalant about it," he said, sobbing. "I would like you to use the maximum sentence. We can't bring Scott back but I would like justice for my son."

White and Kelly also addressed the court.

"I just want to say I am sorry to the victim and the family," White said. "It was never our intent to do what happened."

"I take full responsibility for my actions," Kelly said. "I just apologize to the family. I can't bring him back. I wish I could."

Simerson was in a coma from May until August, when he died from his injuries.

After pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter 18-year-old Robert Kelly, who has prior convictions for assault, was sentenced to five to 15 years in prison.

Domnard White, 17, who came forward and cooperated with investigators, was given a 3.5- to 15-year sentence.

Phil Dawson is a reporter for wzzm13.com.