NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW — A Buffalo man faces up to 25 years in prison for shooting and killing a man in what authorities say appeared to be a robbery gone wrong.
20-year-old Dennis Parson pleaded guilty Thursday to Manslaughter in the First Degree in connection to the shooting death of 24-year-old Jaylan McWilson.
McWilson was killed on January 21, 2023, in front of his home in Niagara Falls.
The parents of Jaylan, Marsha and Howard Mcwilson are still facing unimaginable grief. We spoke with them on Thursday.
“I'm working through my pain, that's how I'm surviving,” said Marsha. “20 years old and has to face 25 years in prison not knowing what’s going to align ahead of him for the next 25 years. I actually saw him cry when he pleaded guilty. I heard him crying.”
Marsha tells 7 News reporter Yoselin Person she spoke with Parson’s mom beforehand in an act of healing and forgiveness.
“She lost her son that she can see, but he’s away and I lost my son that I can never see again,” Marsha said. “I wanted to let her know that I'm here and I'm a mother too and we have no beef.”
Jaylan’s father says his son always brought joy and laughter into many lives.
“He's also talented in music, writing, singing, and planning instruments. He was a treasure to this family and to lose him is devastating,” said Howard. “ I miss you with all my heart on the wings of love we will meet again.”
Jaylan McWilson's mother spoke with Yoselin Person days after the shooting. She said she had no way of knowing that night she was saying her final goodbyes to her dream baby.
You can watch the full story with McWilson's family below.
“There was absolutely no reason for this incident to have ended in the loss of Jaylan’s life," said Niagara County District Attorney Brian D. Seaman. "His family is devastated. The defendant is a young man who will now spend the next 20 or more years in prison. For what? A completely senseless loss of life.”
Parson will be sentenced on October 15 in Niagara County Court.
