After hearing the evidence presented to them, the jury sentenced Kamron Bell to 40 years behind bars for brutally killing his friend in Dallas in 2020.
Bell pleaded guilty to committing the murder, taking the stand during the trial to reveal details of the shooting.
He told the court he shot 38-year-old David Eugene Young on September 13, 2020, after they spent hours mixing cocaine, psychedelic mushrooms, marijuana, and alcohol.
Bell claimed he was hallucinating due to the narcotics they had consumed before the shooting, testifying that he saw things he could not tell apart from reality and still has a hazy memory of what occurred.
Jurors viewed a cellphone video recording of Bell standing over Young and pummeling him outside Young’s apartment, taken by a neighbor who contacted police.
According to prosecutors, the victim allegedly went door to door asking for help after Bell shot him multiple times. Following the incident, Young was discovered lying in an Oak Lawn yard.
Bell said that Young was his close friend and told Young’s parents how sorry he was for killing their son.
After hearing Bell’s words while on the stand, Young’s parents, David and Debbie, said they did not believe his apology was sincere.
“We all see it as grandstanding for the jury,” said Young’s father after the sentencing. “Had it been heartfelt, we would have got it sooner or after.”
Family members who spoke at the trial made it clear they believed Bell should spend the rest of his life in prison.
“I think that’s fair. Dave gets no more time,” said Chad Hensley, Young’s cousin.
After he has served 20 years, Bell could be released on parole.
When the murder trial concluded, Young’s father detailed the visions that continue to torment him and his wife.
“I wake up and hear Dave’s mother crying in her sleep, and I know she’s having the same nightmare,” he said.
Disappointed in the verdict I know both of them and Kamron is a compulsive, raging addict! He’s blown up on people before he has no heart or compassion I wish he would of gotten the death penalty “Dave” (he preferred to be called) was so generous and kind to Kam he let him live with him and took him to work helped him out many times and had his back countless times I can’t imagine what he could of possibly have done to cause this!! Nothing NOTHING justifies this action