MEDIA, Pa. — A 19-year-old man, Angelo Ford, has been sentenced to a term of 14 to 28 years in prison following his involvement in a gunfight outside of a high school football game that ultimately resulted in the tragic death of eight-year-old Fanta Bility in Sharon Hill. Ford was just 15 years old during the incident, which has led to various legal repercussions over the past few years.

Ford received his sentencing on Friday in Delaware County after being convicted of multiple charges, including attempted murder and aggravated assault, among others, which stemmed from the gunfire exchange during the 2021 event. The confrontation reportedly took place as Ford and a group of individuals got into an argument shortly after leaving an Academy Park High School football game in August 2021. Ford drew a handgun and exchanged shots with another man, who was 21 at the time, approximately a block from the stadium.

Authorities reported that during the altercation, Ford fired five shots while the other man returned fire with two shots. Two of Ford’s bullets were directed toward three police officers from Sharon Hill who were present to monitor the crowd. The officers responded by firing at a vehicle they believed to be part of the incident, tragically resulting in Fanta Bility being struck as she departed the game with her family.

Deputy District Attorney Laurie Moore emphasized that Fanta’s death could have been prevented had Ford not brought a firearm to the scene, noting the lasting impact on the victim’s family and the broader community. Moore highlighted that the young girl would have been turning 11 this year, stressing the profound loss caused by Ford’s actions. She proposed a more severe sentence of 32 to 67 years, pointing out Ford’s lack of remorse and his efforts to evade law enforcement for over a year while showcasing his behavior on social media.

Ford’s defense attorney, Mary Beth Welch, advocated for leniency, suggesting that Ford should receive a sentence similar to another defendant involved in the firearm incident, who was sentenced to between 32 to 64 months. Welch argued that Ford had faced numerous challenges throughout his childhood, including behavioral issues and associations with gangs prior to the incident.

In a brief statement before the court, Ford expressed remorse and apologized to the victims and their families, reflecting on how the case had adversely affected his youth and future. Judge G. Michael Green, while acknowledging that Ford was not solely culpable for Fanta’s death, remarked that Ford played a critical role by discharging his weapon on a crowded street.

Ford received credit for approximately two years already served in custody as part of his sentence, which encompassed various charges related to the shooting, as well as additional issues encountered during his time in county jail. Judge Green expressed a belief in Ford’s potential for rehabilitation but underscored that the severity of his offenses necessitated a substantial prison term.