CANTON, OH – An Ohio man has been sentenced to 45 years for fatally shooting Canton K-9 officer Jethro.
Kelontre D. Barefield, 23, pleaded guilty to charges related to Jethro's death and other counts stemming from several burglaries and an unrelated aggravated robbery, the Canton Rep reports.
Jethro died in a shootout at a grocery store in Canton in January after police responded to a burglary alarm. Barefield opened fire, hitting Jethro three times.
Jethro's partner, Ryan Davis, said he is beginning to heal after Jethro's death. In a Facebook post, Davis thanked everyone for their support: "I am hopeful this will allow some closure. I have been torn with anger and vengence on my human side and struggling with forgiveness through my faith."
Davis was in the courtroom Wednesday with Barefield pleaded guilty.
Not everyone agreed with the sentencing, saying the punishment was excessive.
"Wow. For killing a police dog? That seems a little harsh.," Don Johnson said.
Others said killing Jethro was similar to killing an officer.
"Good. Good. Just like killing an officer. Anybody that does that crime should do the time," Kenny Lawrence said.