CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The family of a young father killed in a botched robbery said they feel let down by the justice system after the man charged in his death avoided a murder conviction.

Christopher Butler, who was 17 at the time of the crime , pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the death of 21-year-old Abijah Barkley in March 2024. As part of a plea agreement, the murder and armed robbery charges were dismissed.

Prosecutors said Barkley was out delivering food for Uber Eats when he was shot. Another man in the car was making marijuana sales. At some point, Butler joined them.

Prosecutors said the meeting was a setup.

“He, the defendant, and [Cortez Springs] said 'we were talking and messaging about an easy job for robbery f

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