The parents of slain 17-year-old German exchange student Diren Dede entered a Missoula County courtroom today to applause from an audience, but they expressed only sadness as they gave emotional statements through an interpreter for a judge to consider during Markus Kaarma’s sentencing on February 11.
On Wednesday, a jury found Kaarma guilty of deliberate homicide in the April 27, killing their son.
The 30-year-old Kaarma, who didn't testify during the murder trial, gave a tearful apology to the family.
“I never intended to hurt someone that night. It was a terrible time for me and my family. We were so scared. No one was supposed to get hurt. Or killed. I can’t even imagine the pain you feel,” Kaarma said.
Prosecutors requested that the Dede family be allowed to give their statement early so they could fly back to Germany.
Kaarma unsuccessfully tried to use the “Castle Doctrine” to justify his use of deadly force after shooting Diren Dede in his garage late at night.
Kaarma’s lawyers say they plan to appeal the verdict.
