Four years ago, a Zachary father of four found his oldest daughter’s teenage boyfriend hiding in her closet after the boy climbed through the girl’s second-story bedroom window for a pre-dawn visit. When Dezmon Hamilton, 34, confronted the 17-year-old, it led to an exchange of gunfire between the two, and Hamilton was killed inside his home.

Nicholas McQuirter, the boyfriend, was indicted on a charge of second-degree murder two years later after his case was transferred from juvenile court to the 19th Judicial District Court. On Tuesday, McQuirter pleaded guilty to reduced charges and was sentenced to five years of probation.

The plea and sentencing came during an emotional hearing in a courtroom packed with family members of both the victim and McQuirter. At least 10 deputies stood gu

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