Darrell Clemons sentenced to 19 years in prison after 2021 murder of Avery Robertson

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – Darrell Clemons faces a 19-year prison sentence after shooting and killing 22-year-old Avery Robertson in Decatur in August 2021.

Robertson was the father of a six-year-old boy when he died. The footage shows the victim was involved in a fight with one of Clemons’ neighbors before the attacker entered the scene.

Clemons pulled out a gun and shot Robertson as he fled. The victim was shot twice, once in the hand and once in the back.

The bullet that passed through Robertson’s back entered his lungs. He was transported to Parkway Medical Center where he died a short time later.

Judge Jennifer Howell handed down the sentence Friday afternoon. This announcement comes more than six months after the scheduled date of the initial sentencing hearing.

Clemons pleaded guilty in late January, causing the initial sentencing to be scheduled for April 11.

Over the next six months, Robertson’s mother, Misty, says the case was postponed 4 to 5 times.

By the time Judge Howell handed down the 19-year prison sentence, it had been more than three years since Clemons killed Robertson.

The victim’s family and close friends were in the courtroom expecting a life sentence. Clemons’ defense was fighting for a split sentence, which would have reduced it to eight years.

Neither side was happy. Some of Clemons’ friends and family members made their disapproval known, repeatedly shouting in the direction of the judge and the Robertson family.

Robertson’s mother responded: “I will never see my child again and you have been crying for over 19 years?”

Clemon’s mother testified in court Friday. She claimed her son’s violent act was provoked by Robertson’s punch.

She also said Darrell had a young son of his own and “he was a good father.”

The victim’s mother and grandfather gave emotional statements about Avery and how they have behaved since his death.

“Nothing would have brought my son back,” Misty later said. “(Robertson) is going to come out and he’s going to be younger than me (now). He will come out and serve less time than my child had to live. And I just don’t think that’s true.

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