FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A teen charged with murder accepted a plea deal on Monday for the killing of a 16-year-old in December of 2022.

The victim’s family spoke to the convicted killer, 17-year-old Keante Vaughn, in court.

“Made my whole world stop,” said Ricky Ferguson Sr., the father of 16-year-old Rickey Ferguson Jr.

“It’s a shame that you caused all of this,” said Michelle Beckford, the victim’s aunt.

Vaughn was just 14 years old when deputies said he shot and killed Ferguson at a park off Southwest Second Street.

The victim was a sophomore at Deerfield Beach High School and a standout on the school’s football team.

“He, Ricky Ferguson Jr., will never finish what he started, high school, college, his dreams, his passions,” said Kendra LaFrance, Ferguson’s aunt.

The victim’s family also released a statement following Monday’s hearing which read:

“While today’s sentencing brings closure to this nightmare and justice for our family we are still grieving the loss of our loved one Rickey (Rj) 3 years later. He was a bright light that was dimmed too soon. Till this day not a negative word has been spoken on him and it reassure us as a family that we raised him to go off in to the world and be bold, confident and respectful. His lasting memory will live on through his family and close friends. We pray that one day this world can see an end to senseless gun violence.”

Vaughn’s attorney said his client was facing life in prison, which is why he accepted the plea deal.

He will be 35 years old when he is released.

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