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Man Involved in Shooting Spree Sentenced to 15 Years

by KREX News Room
by Danielle Kreutter

Story Created: Jul 13, 2012 at 5:27 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jul 14, 2012 at 7:17 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- The man involved in a shooting spree in Grand Junction received his sentence Friday after he pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder and a crime of violence.

Prosecutors say Kintz could have faced between 21 and 64 years in prison. They say the fact that he was not the one who pulled the trigger that resulted in the injury of a local man played into the decision making process for their plea agreement.

Family and supporters of 19-year-old Darien Kintz filled a good portion of the courtroom Friday afternoon to hear his sentencing.

"Sometimes we don't understand why we have to be in situations, but God knows that's why he's there," said Kintz's former basketball coach, Gordon Barker.

Kintz, along with another suspect, Aaron Plotner, fired at Matthew Daly, who was walking down the street in December 2011. The incident left Daly injured.

The two men were also involved in two more shootings that same day, which resulted in property damage.

Kintz pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder and a crime of violence.

"When you're in the middle of something you can get caught up in something and after it's over you go, 'Why did I do that?' and we'll never know," said Marsha Barker, Kintz's former teacher.

Barker says she remembers Kintz in a positive light. "He had a twinkle in his eye, he was ornery, he wasn't mean and he was very charming," said Barker.

However, as both the prosecutor and defense pointed out, somewhere along the line Kintz may have got caught up in the wrong crowd. "I think all of us want to belong to something or someone and today proved that he made wrong choices," said Barker.

In court, Kintz addressed the judge and spoke about the victims, saying, "They didn't deserve what happened to them and I can't imagine how they feel." He also said, "I'll never be involved in anything like this again."

The judge sentenced Kintz to 15 years in the Department of Corrections followed by five years of probation.

Daly, the victim who was injured in the shooting, had no comment. Supporters of Kintz say they think he will come out of prison a better man.

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Anonymous said on Friday, Jul 13 at 6:09 PM

weak

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