A Utah teen, Haegan Sagers, 17, was sentenced on July 15 to two to 15 years in juvenile detention and prison for the shooting death of his 14-year-old stepbrother, Malaki Porter. The fatal shooting took place in September 2024 when Sagers was 16 years old. Initially charged with murder, Sagers pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
The Tragic Incident
The shooting occurred on September 22, 2024, in what was described as a tragic event within a blended family. Sagers, who was living with his father and his father’s girlfriend, Stormi Hass, fatally shot Porter. According to Hass, both of her children, including Sagers and Porter, had been raised with a strong emphasis on gun safety. However, despite this upbringing, Sagers admitted to intentionally shooting his stepbrother. In court, Hass shared her heartbreaking experience, saying, “Not only did I lose one child that day, I lost both of my boys that day.”
Apology and Family Impact
During the sentencing, Sagers expressed regret for the killing, offering an apology to Porter. He said, “If I could say anything to Malaki, it would be how sorry I am, and how we should have talked through our problems. Although he and I had our issues, he was a great friend and the best little brother you could ask for. I am very sorry.”
The Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Investigators revealed that Sagers had initially claimed the shooting was an accident, saying that Porter had come at him with the gun. Later, Sagers changed his story, claiming he had taken the gun from Porter and pointed it at his stepbrother’s left shoulder, intending to hurt him but not kill him. Despite the changing statements, prosecutors presented evidence that Sagers had expressed a desire to harm Porter in the days leading up to the shooting, suggesting a pattern of violent behavior. Prosecutors did not believe the shooting was premeditated but argued that Sagers had a history of violent problem-solving.
Consequences and Sentencing
In the end, Sagers was sentenced to serve time in juvenile detention and possibly in prison for the manslaughter of Porter. His actions, rooted in anger and a lack of conflict resolution, have left a lasting impact on his family. Stormi Hass emphasized the importance of accountability, saying that while she had lost both sons, she believed Sagers needed to face the consequences of his actions.
