(WJET/WFXP)-- The Erie man convicted for a 2023 homicide will spend the rest of his life behind bars without parole after receiving his sentencing Thursday.

Defonta Butler, 32, was sentenced by Erie County Judge Daniel Brabender to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder for the killing of 40-year-old Jeffrey Johnson.

Butler was also given another 3 and a half to seven years for carrying a gun without a license and two and a half to five years for aggravated assault.

Jeffrey Johnson was shot and killed on September 22nd, 2023, on East 17th Street between State and French Streets, with prosecutors calling it an act of revenge for Johnson shooting Butler back in 2015.

Before his arrest, Erie police said Butler fled to Meadville, where he was taken into custody 18 hour

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