Parrish Teen Sentenced to 20 Years in Fatal 2024 Shooting of Manatee High Student

A Parrish teen convicted in the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old at a backyard party in 2024 has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Judge Frederick Mercurio handed down the sentence on Wednesday evening in Manatee County Court to 18-year-old Carter Layne for the March 8, 2024, shooting of J.M. Feeney. Following his prison term, Layne will serve six months of house arrest and four and a half years of probation.

Investigators said Feeney and other teenagers were at a Bradenton home when Layne began handling a gun, insisting it was not loaded. The firearm discharged, striking Feeney, who was a well-known wrestler at Manatee High School.

During the sentencing hearing, witnesses addressed the court, with some calling for accountability and others expressing the hope that Layne could one day move forward with his life.

Feeney’s family laid him to rest in the Philippines last July. In his honor, The Center of Anna Maria Island has announced plans to rename its sports park after him.