Photo: Effi / iStock / Getty Images
Marley Oselmo has been sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the fatal shooting of Kelvonn Godbolt in Syracuse, New York. The sentencing took place on Wednesday (May 21) in Onondaga County Court, where Oselmo pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
The tragic incident occurred on August 29, 2023, when Godbolt, 23, was shot in the back while buying drinks at a convenience store on South Avenue to celebrate his upcoming birthday. He later died at Upstate University Hospital. According to CNY Central, Oselmo was caught on video committing the crime and was with his younger brother at the time.
During the sentencing, Godbolt's family expressed their anger and grief. His mother, Stephanie Murphy, called Oselmo a coward and said, "I hope you rot in hell." Godbolt's aunt, Kayla Schroder, tearfully told the court that she would never forgive Oselmo, stating, "You have taken from us like a thief in the night." Syracuse.com reported that Oselmo remained expressionless throughout the proceedings and chose not to address the court.
Oselmo turned himself in to the Geddes Police Department on September 18, 2023, after being wanted for murder. He will serve 15 years for the murder charge, with an additional five years for the weapons charge, to be served consecutively. The case has left a lasting impact on Godbolt's family, who described him as a hard worker, artist, and beloved family member.