Man convicted of killing Milwaukee police officer gets life in prison, no possibility for parole

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The man convicted of killing a Milwaukee police officer and wounding his partner was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility for parole on Friday, June 12, at the conclusion of an emotional hearing. 

Tremaine Jones, 23, was set to automatically receive a life sentence following his conviction in April of first-degree intentional homicide. Jones was also convicted of three other felony charges, including attempted first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree recklessly endangering safety.

The courtroom was packed with about 70 to 80 Milwaukee police officers and personnel including Chief Jeffrey Norman.

Last June, Officers Kendall Corder and his partner, Ofc. Christopher McCray were responding to a call for a person with a gun near N. 25th and W. Garfield Ave. 

Jones fired 16 shots at them while he hid in a bush.

Three people spoke on behalf of Corder at Friday's hearing - his close friend, his grandmother and his sister. 

Corder's grandmother said she forgave Jones but still sought the maximum sentence. 

Corder's sister, Rayanna Corder, had sharp words and wanted to give Jones something to think about. 

"I hope that when the most important people to you, when they pass, that you cannot attend their funeral, and I hope it rips your heart apart. Because you forgot that," said Rayanna Corder. 

Jones didn't speak in court, but he did write a statement, which has read by his attorney. 

In the statement, he apologized and asked for forgiveness. 

Jone's attorney asked the judge to allow for the possibility of parole after 40 or 50 years.

The judge said no, saying Jones's actions and his claim he was scared when he opened fire, were just too much to look past. 

"If you're just gonna hide in the bushes, you hide. That's not at all what you did," said Judge Michelle Havas. "You had your gun out, and you were ready to go. That's not hiding; it's ambushing." 

Jones's family declined to comment after the hearing, so did Chief Norman. 

CBS 58 reporter Jenna Wells spoke with Corder's friend, Glenn Kirby Jr. who said he was satisfied with the sentencing and hopes it sends a message.

"I don't think he truly knew who Kendall was. I wanted to let him know; what you did was senseless. It was a monster that night," said Kirby. "It's got to stop. We've lost too many officers. Too many people are getting killed." 

He said that Corder truly loved his job and loved the city of Milwaukee. 

While it has been a difficult year for the family, Kirby said that the support from the Milwaukee Police Department and the community has been extremely touching.