CLOVIS, N.M. (AP) - A man who was convicted of first-degree murder in a fatal shooting at a New Mexico library made his first public address in court since the 2017 rampage, using the event to say he is sorry.
Nathaniel Jouett, who turned 18 last month, apologized on Wednesday to dozens of victims and said he wanted to get better, the Eastern New Mexico News reported .
“I’m absolutely horrified by my actions and take full responsibility,” he said of the Aug. 28, 2017, shooting. “I do not have an answer to why this happened.”
Jouett pleaded guilty to 30 felony counts from the shooting, including two first-degree murder charges for the deaths of library employees Wanda Walters and Krissie Carter.
Jouett offered to meet with any victims who wanted to talk, hear from or address him directly, if it will help with their healing.
The state requested Jouett serve 96 years in the Department of Corrections.
Defense attorney Stephen Taylor asked that his client only serve 20 years in prison.
Judge James Hudson is scheduled to announce Jouett’s sentencing at 2 p.m. on Friday.
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Information from: The Eastern New Mexico News, http://www.easternnewmexiconews.com
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