Jah-Lah Vanderhorst appearing in Albany County Court for re-sentencing. Judge Lynch approves our camera request. @WTEN is the only local tv station in court today. 
Vanderhorst is currently serving time for stabbing and killing Tyler Rhodes in 2011. Tyler’s mother is reading her victim impact statement. She is choked up as she recalls the moment she saw her son after the crime.
Vanderhorst seems to be listening intently to Tyler’s mother and is looking right at her as she reads her statement. She says her son’s “fatal mistake” was standing up to bullying. You can hear people crying in the courtroom.
Tyler’s mother says she is willing to reopen her wounds from the death of her son to speak out again today. She says his sister “lost her best friend and her protector.” There are tears in her eyes.
Tyler’s mother speaking now about missing Tyler at holidays and the loss for their family. At this, Vanderhorst hangs his head.
Tyler’s mother says while this case was pending her family received threats of their home being burglarized, shot at, set on fire. She says they had to move. She says Vanderhorst’s hate is still instilled in “a scary few” in the community.
“Even if Jah-Lah serves a full sentence he still gets to have a life.” Says Tyler’s mother.
Tyler’s mother cries as she recalls hearing her son’s last words as his murder was caught on camera. She says he was pleading for “a fair fight.”
Tyler’s mother finishes her impact statement. She is now reading her daughters impact statement on her behalf. “It feels like a piece of my heart was ripped out from me.”
Vanderhorst continues to look right at Tyler’s mother. She sobs more during the reading of this statement than her own.
“I feel like I’m alone in the big world now without him.” Tyler’s mother continues to read her daughter’s statement working through tears.
“I try to make him proud, and I hope I’m doing just that.” Tyler’s mother finishes the statement and leaves the stand.
Prosecution now speaking. Says the day of the murder was not the first time Vanderhorst tried to stab Tyler. Says since his incarceration the defendant’s time has been “abysmal.” Asks that Vanderhorst be denied youthful offender status.
Defense says his client plans on making a statement. Says the consequences are beyond measure. “My client went from high school, to jail, to prison.”
Defense says Vanderhorst was 16yo when this happened. Says he had an inability to see the consequences of his actions.
Vanderhorst reading a statement now. He apologizes to the family, specifically to Tyler’s sister. “I never had enough hate in my heart to kill your brother.” He says he apologizes “from the bottom of my heart.”
“I also want to take this time to apologize to my family as well.” Says as he moves forward he always wants the Rhodes family to know he is sorry and seeks their forgiveness. “I am not the monster that was portrayed.”
Judge asks what Vanderhorst wants to do in the future. Vanderhorst says he wants to be a role model to his kids and the community.
Vanderhorst now has his head in his hands and seems to be crying as the judge reads about letters written on his behalf.
Judge Lynch says he appreciates the victim impact statements. Says this issue is complex. Says he wanted an opportunity to listen to everyone today. Judge will issue a formal written decision on Monday morning at 9am in court.
