Family at Emotional Sentencing Hearing: Zaria McKeever ‘Didn’t Deserve To Be Killed’
More than a year after the murder of 23-year old Zaria McKeever in Brooklyn Park, the man who planned the crime learned his fate on Friday.
In a tearful and emotional hearing at the Hennepin County Courthouse, Erick Haynes, McKeever’s ex-boyfriend and father of her child, was sentenced to life in prison.
Haynes confessed to the crime in a plea deal.
McKeever’s family says her murder will live with them forever.
“The defendant, Erick Haynes, infiltrated into our lives, our homes, and stole from us,” said Maria Greer, McKeever’s mother. “He stole Zaria’s life because of jealousy and anger. She didn’t deserve to be killed. Especially by her known assailants.”
Maria Greer is one of several family members who provided victim impact statements during Friday’s hearing.
Zaria McKeever was murdered on Nov. 8 in a case connected with her former boyfriend.
McKeever was murdered in November 2022 by a Brooklyn Park teenager who Haynes recruited to help carry out the crime.
Court records show Haynes meant to go after McKeever’s new boyfriend at his Brooklyn Park apartment, but it was McKeever who ended up being shot five times.
During Friday’s sentencing, family members described Zaria as a loving mother who gave selflessly to others.
“We were always together, so it’s like a part of me is missing,” said Tiffynnie Epps, McKeever’s older sister. “Zaria had so much life ahead of her. It was stolen out of pure hate, evil and jealousy.”
During the hearing, Haynes briefly spoke and apologized to the family.
“I just want to say sorry to the family of Miss McKeever,” said Haynes softly.
While Haynes received a life sentence, there is the possibility of parole after 30 years.
Meanwhile, Foday Kamara, of Brooklyn Park, who was 15 years old at the time he pulled the trigger, is expected to receive a 10-year sentence. His teen brother, John Kamara, who was with Foday at the time of the crime, is currently serving a two-year sentence at a juvenile correctional facility in Red Wing.
Erick Haynes sitting in the courtroom during his sentencing hearing.
Related: Brooklyn Park Man Pleads Guilty in Home Invasion Killing of Zaria McKeever
