CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A teen accused of killing a 21-year-old man back in March of 2024 pleaded guilty to murder in Mecklenburg County court on Thursday.

Christopher Butler was arrested and charged after police say he shot and killed 21-year-old Abijah Barkley last March.

Previous coverage: CMPD: 17-year-old charged with murder in South End shooting

Many of Barkley’s family members walked out of the court in tears after Butler took a guilty plea for conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.

By taking that plea deal, the murder charge was dropped, and Barkley’s family feels they didn’t get justice.

Taylor Johnson, Barkley’s girlfriend, spoke to the judge, asking for a strict sentence.

“[Abijah] was a father, he was a son, he was an amazing boyfriend. He worked hard. He

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