Man sentenced in cold-case slaying of girl, 8

Robert Brown, 37, was sentenced Monday in Kent County Circuit Court. He pleaded guilty in April to second-degree murder in Lativia Johnson’s slaying.

Brown apologized Monday to Lativia’s family.

Brown and Robert Gaines were accused of firing a gun into Lativia’s home. The girl was struck in the head as she went to get a cup of milk. The shooting was in revenge for an earlier robbery and assault.

A jury found Gaines guilty Friday of second-degree murder. He is to be sentenced next month.

Gaines and Brown were arrested earlier this year outside of Michigan.