Judge Rejects Teen Killer's Plea for Hug Before Sentencing Him to Life in Prison

Judge Nick Thompson denied Thomas Stein’s request for a final hug with his family as he sentenced the 18-year-old to life imprisonment plus an additional 45 years. The harsh sentence was handed down on Friday after Stein was convicted of felony murder and attempted robbery involving Kayla Rincon-Miller, who died in March 2024. During the sentencing hearing, Stein expressed remorse for his actions but maintained that he did not intend to harm anyone when he and his friend Christopher Horne targeted Rincon-Miller and her companions.

Prosecutors argued for a maximum sentence due to Stein's criminal history and role as the driver who identified the victims. They highlighted Stein’s previous felony convictions for car break-ins and emphasized his influence over the crime, noting that he had armed the perpetrators and made rap videos about committing crimes. In contrast, Stein’s defense team requested a 25-year sentence, similar to what Horne received.

The judge's decision was influenced by the devastating impact of the crime on the victims and their families. Emma Wright and Louann Dejaie, who were with Rincon-Miller that night, testified about the lasting trauma they have endured since the shooting. Thompson’s ruling ensures Stein will face a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years for each attempted robbery charge, to be served consecutively alongside his life sentence for murder.