In a heartbreaking case, 17-year-old Haegan Sagers was sentenced to 2 to 15 years in juvenile detention and prison after admitting to fatally shooting his 14-year-old stepbrother, Malaki Porter.
The tragic incident occurred in September 2024 when Sagers, then 16, shot Porter in what prosecutors say was an act of manslaughter rather than premeditated murder. At the sentencing on July 15, Porter’s mother, Stormi Hass, expressed her grief while also highlighting the family’s focus on gun safety.
The Tragic Shooting and Legal Proceedings
Haegan Sagers shot and killed his stepbrother, Malaki Porter, in a violent act that left both families devastated. At the time of the shooting, the two boys lived in a blended family, with Porter being raised by Hass and her partner, Sagers’ father.
During the court proceedings, Hass revealed that both her son and Sagers had been raised with an understanding of gun safety and the risks involved with firearms.
However, despite this background, Hass told the court that Sagers had shown no hesitation in pulling the trigger, clearly intending to harm Malaki. She described the pain of losing both of her sons, stating that although she had lost her biological child, she also felt as though she lost her stepson that day.
A History of Violence
While the prosecution did not believe the killing was premeditated, they presented evidence that Sagers had expressed violent tendencies in the lead-up to the shooting. Investigators discovered that Sagers had shown a desire to harm or even kill Porter, suggesting a pattern of violent behavior.
Sagers initially told detectives that the shooting was an accident, claiming that Porter came at him with the gun during a struggle, causing it to go off. However, as the investigation continued, Sagers’ story changed.
He later stated that he had taken the gun from Porter, and in a moment of fear, he aimed it at Porter’s shoulder, intending to injure, not kill, him. Despite his remorse, his actions led to the tragic death of his stepbrother.
The Emotional Apology and Legal Consequences
During the sentencing, Sagers expressed deep regret for his actions, offering an apology to the Porter family. He said, “If I could say anything to Malaki, it would be how sorry I am, and how we should have talked through our problems.
Although he and I had our issues, he was a great friend and the best little brother you could ask for.” Despite his remorse, Sagers still faces the consequences of his violent decision, as he was sentenced to serve time in juvenile detention and potentially prison.
Gun Safety and Responsibility
This case has drawn attention to the importance of responsible gun ownership and education. Despite being raised with an understanding of gun safety, Sagers’ violent tendencies led to a tragic outcome.
The Porter family’s loss emphasizes the need for greater awareness of how firearms should be handled, particularly in homes with children and teenagers.
The case of Haegan Sagers and Malaki Porter serves as a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of violent behavior and the potential risks associated with firearms.
While the court has sentenced Sagers to time in juvenile detention and prison, the emotional and personal loss for the families involved cannot be undone. It highlights the importance of gun safety, conflict resolution, and the consequences of violent actions.
