Antonio Wicks Sentenced in the Murder of Donald “DJ” Miller

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - 25 years behind bars is the sentence for the man convicted of murdering 18-year old Donald “DJ” Miller three years ago. It's an ending the victim's family was hoping for, but for convicted killer Antonio Wicks, the stiff sentence came as a shock.

In Brief:

- FOX13 first told you about the Cold Case of Donald “DJ” Miller
- After being reported missing for 7 days, Miller was found shot in the head 6 times near his home.
- The teen convicted of killing him was sentenced to 25 years in court Tuesday.

FOX13’s Cold Case

FOX13 first told you about this story as part of our Cold Case series two years ago. Back then, investigators had run out of leads in Donald Miller's case. They were hoping someone knew something that would lead them to Miller's killers.

That something led police to Antonio Wicks.

Antonio Wicks Sentenced

Wicks sat still with a stunned look on his face as Judge Jimmy Lammy Jr. sentenced him to 25 years in prison for the 2008 murder of 18-year-old Donald Miller.

"I'm very happy, that's what we were seeking you know, 25 years. That's good," said Miller’s mother, Ruby Steen Miller.

Miller’s Mother Reacts

Miller’s mother has waited for justice for more than three years for the man who shot her son in the head six times and left him in a wooded area.

“It's not going to bring him back, but it's not going to get where that young man can hurt someone else. That's a lesson learned, believe in who your friends are."

Miller's case went cold after more than a year with no leads, and then police found a handgun in the possession of Wicks, the last person seen with Miller. That gun matched the bullets retrieved from Miller's body.

The victim’s mother, Ruby Steen Miller took the stand and addressed Wicks.

“How can you take a life and have no kind of remorse or feelings?”

"My expressions on how I felt about my son, the missing of my son, how it affects my family at this time. What we are going through. If you have never lost someone then you wouldn't have a clue of what we are talking about," said Miller.

Wicks Attorney Surprised By Sentencing

Wicks’attorney Juni Ganguli said while they were happy with the lesser conviction of Second Degree Murder, his client getting 25 years was not expected.

"He has always maintained his innocence and given that he is about 20-years old, he is facing more time incarcerated tan he has been alive. He is not happy but given that he was facing life in prison he is pleased on that front," said Ganguli.

"I have forgiven the accused. I believe in God up above. He is the one got to, his judgment day is coming for him. Even though he has got the 25 years he still has to meet his maker one day. It's not going to bring my son back,” said Miller.