HANOVER, Va. (WTVR) - A teen found guilty of being an accessory after the fact in the December murder of 17-year-old Jyreffe Clark is now free.
Reverend Harry Dandridge Jr. talked to CBS 6 News' Sandra Jones after his nephew was released from custody Thursday. [RELATED: Murder charges downgraded in Hanover teen’s death]
"The community is kind of more or less judging everything without the facts,” said Dandrige, who was overcome with emotion. "I really believe that all the individuals that was involved, they knew it was tragic and they made every mistake possible. But when they walked out the door that day, they did not know what was going to happen.
According to the teen's attorney, Clark and three other teens were recreating a music video. When they got a semi-automatic handgun from another room, the attorney said the gun accidentally went off and Clark was shot.
Then, the teen's tried to hide his body outside before Clark's mom came home, according to the attorney..
Clarke's family had no comment for reporters, but the family of the teen involved in this tragedy believes this will be a hard life lesson.
"My nephew is of the mindset that he's going to be a positive role model in the community, and help others not to get into situations like this,” said Dandridge.
The hearing was closed to the public since it was a juvenile case.
However, the teen's family said he was released for time served and has to meet certain conditions while on a one year probation.
Additionally, the family said the teen will undergo counseling. He is not allowed to attend Hanover County Public Schools.
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