ELKHORN, Wis. (Court TV) — A judge sentenced Steven Merkel to 25 years in prison during an emotional hearing where the victim’s family confronted the man who killed an 8-year-old boy.

Steven Merkel appeared in court for his sentencing hearing on Nov. 20, 2025. (Court TV)

Merkel was sentenced after pleading guilty to first-degree reckless homicide in connection with the shooting that killed his stepson, 8-year-old Michael Meagher. The courtroom was filled with raw emotion as family members delivered victim impact statements before Judge Kristine Drettwan imposed the sentence.

“It’s been an absolute nightmare,” Meagher’s mother said through tears. “The depression, anger.”

The mother described the devastating impact of losing her son, telling Merkel directly how the shooting destroyed the

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