The Fort Ann teen who admitted to shooting and killing a 14-year-old boy at his home last year was sentenced on Friday to 3 to 9 years in prison.

Jaden Walden, 18, had pleaded guilty in Washington County Court in March that he caused the death of Rycky Stark Jr. on Aug. 16.

Walden was with a group of teens, when he pointed the shotgun in Stark’s direction, not realizing the gun was loaded. The gun fired and struck Stark in the abdomen, killing him, police said.

The shooting was not intentional, investigators said.

Stark’s mother, Delia Sherwood Charland, spoke at the sentencing, saying that she has not been able to sleep any more than one hour per night because she thinks about her son. She often breaks out in uncontrollable crying when she sees something that reminds herself of her son, who was taken from her just three days after his 14^th birthday. 

“He was not given the chance to experience his prom, getting his driver’s license, or following his dreams of being a professional basketball player or physical therapist,” she said.

Rycky was going to be on the junior varsity basketball team and had attended basketball camp two weeks before his death. Her son was well-liked in the community, she said. His basketball jersey has been retired and there are photos hanging up at his favorite place to get chicken wings.

“Rycky loved helping others, whether it be carrying a bag for someone, helping the underdog, or trying to make someone smile because he knew they were feeling down. His death has impacted many,” she said.

Charland said she wanted Rycky to walk her down the aisle as she got married to Rycky’s stepfather. Now, she will only be able to wear his shoes.

“Our family, our lives are now incomplete due to Jaden Walden. Our family is now broken. At the end of every day, I tell myself I am one day closer to being able to hug my baby boy and see his infectious smile. As of now, I am a shell of a human being.”

Rycky’s father, Rycky Stark Sr. sent a statement saying that half of his heart was missing.

“You will never understand how much our world will change until you lose a child. To lose a child in such a violent way has truly broken me.”

Stark said he will never get to see his son graduate, learn to drive, get married or have children. Walden has taken the Stark family legacy.

“I question every decision made that day. My boy never had any enemies. He was a friend to everyone. He always would help those less fortunate than himself,” the father said.

Rycky invited one of his classmates to his birthday party at Sky Zone because his friend may not have gotten that experience otherwise.

When given the opportunity to speak, Walden said: “I’m very sorry for what happened. I never wanted for this to happen so I’m very sorry they have to go through this stuff.”

Walden also was charged with sexual misconduct for allegedly having sexual relations with a girl inside the apartment.

He had initially rejected a plea deal in the case over concerns about the range of potential sentences. However, he changed his mind.