Cousins! A white teenage terrorist responsible for the inhumane shooting of multiple Black community members at a local grocery store last year has been sentenced to life in prison!
While appearing in court today, February 15th for his official sentencing 19 year old Payton Genderon addressed the families of the 10 fatal victims that lost their lives. “I’m very sorry for all the pain I forced the victims and their families to suffer through.”
“I’m very sorry for stealing the lives of your loved ones. I cannot express how much I regret all the decisions I made leading up to my actions on May 14,” said Payton while wearing a orange jumpsuit.
As we previously reported the teen had purposely visited a predominantly Black neighborhood within the Buffalo, New York area with an automatic weapon that read the n-word and, “Here’s your repetitions,” along with additional racial attacks
Payton had live streamed the entire ordeal as he tragically shot and killed 10 Black shoppers and wounded several others at Tops Friendly Market back in May of 2022. He began his attack shooting from the store’s parking lot and made his way inside.
“I did a terrible thing that day. I shot and killed people because they were Black. Looking back now, I can’t believe I actually did it. I believed what I read online and acted out of hate. I know I can’t take it back, but I wish I could, and I don’t want anyone to be inspired by me and what I did.”
The victims families also spoke within a series of emotional testimonies. Payton at one point is said to have removed his glasses off his face to wipe away tears reports CNN.
At one point a victim’s family member wearing a gray sweatshirt lunged at Payton but was quickly blocked by security. He was immediately removed from the courtroom as well as the teen. The man has been identified as the son of one of the women who gave a victim impact statement.
Barbara Mapps, sister of fatal victim Katherine Massey, 72. She was in the middle of delivering an emotional intense statement when the attempted attack occurred. “My sister Katherine Massey was a great person, Kat didn’t hurt anybody … You don’t know a damn thing about Black people, we’re human, we like our kids to go to good schools, we love our kids. We never go in neighborhoods and take people out.”
Moments later following a short recess, Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan addressed the incident along with a lengthy speech to Payton in regard to his sentencing. “We cannot have that in the courtroom,” Eagan said. “We must conduct ourselves appropriately because we are all better than that.”
Payton was sentenced to life in prison for terrorism and murder. “There is no place for you or your ignorant, hateful and evil ideologies in a civilized society,” she said.
“There can be no mercy for you, no understanding, no second chances. The damage you have caused is too great, and the people you have hurt are too valuable to this community. You will never see the light of day as a free man ever again.”
Each victims families voiced within the hearing that they did not want Payton to receive the death penalty but to receive life in prison. “I pray to God they do not kill you,” said family member of shooting victim Geraldine Talley, Brian Talley, “You need to be known worldwide … I forgive you, but I forgive you not for your sake, but for mine and for this Black community.”