LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A man has been sentenced for his role in a shooting at a Lexington bar where one man was killed and another person was injured.
Larry Walters pleaded guilty to killing 68-year-old James Terry at Uncle 7's Bar & Grill in March 2019. Police said at the time that Walters had gotten into a fight with Terry in the bar before the shooting. Another man, Stevie Roop, survived his injuries.
Walters was charged with murder, but a judge declared a mistrial last month. He later agreed to plead guilty to manslaughter instead of murder and a 20-year sentence.
Walters has to serve 20% of his sentence before he's eligible for parole. And with the time he's served since 2019, he could be up for parole next year.
"I am still in disbelief that a person can kill a good man and be sent home with a slap on the wrist and may only serve five and a half months behind bars," said James's wife, Linda Terry.
Terry's son also spoke out against the punishment in court Tuesday.
"I believed in this system," said Chad Terry. "This system has failed my Dad. It's failed Stevie Roop. It's failed everyone involved. This man... it's a travesty."
Prosecutors said it was the best outcome given the evidence and testimony.
"I totally understand their anger and frustration," said Fayette County Commonwealth's Attorney Lou Anna Red Corn. "And as much as we want victims to agree with the outcome of the case, it is not always possible."
While addressing the court, Walters told everyone he was sorry and that he regrets what happened.
