x
Breaking News
More () »

Man given life sentence in 2019 killing of 13-year-old who was caught in crossfire

A jury convicted Datrail Clayton on first-degree murder in the 2019 death of Malik Tyler.

DALLAS — Editor's note: This story has been updated with sentencing info.

A man accused of killing a 13-year-old who was caught in the crossfire of a gunfight in Dallas has been found guilty and sentenced to serve life in prison. 

A jury convicted Datrail Clayton Oct. 29 on first-degree murder in the 2019 death of Malik Tyler. On Nov. 2, the judge handed down the life sentence and a $10,000 fine.

Police said Tyler was walking with his best friends on a sidewalk when someone opened fire from a car toward a group hanging out in a parking lot near a gas station off Bruton Road. Another person returned fire, and one of the stray bullets struck Tyler. 

Clayton, according to police, was an alleged known gang member and was indicted on three aggravated assault with deadly weapon charges in 2015 and 2016.

Tina Tyler, Malik's mother, told reporters after the shooting that she lived the worst night of her life when her son was killed.

"You do not know what you took from this family," she said. 

Tyler was a student at Young Men's Leadership Academy at Florence in Dallas.

RELATED: Friends, family tearfully say goodbye to 13-year-old boy killed by stray bullet during gunfight

RELATED: Community gathers for vigil for 13-year-old Malik Tyler, shot to death in Pleasant Grove Tuesday

Before You Leave, Check This Out