BATON ROUGE — A man arrested for the 2021 death of a Zachary homeowner was found guilty of reduced charges and sentenced to probation on Tuesday. 

On July 18, 2021, 34-year-old Dezmon Hamilton was shot and killed in his home. Police said that Nicholas Mcquirter, then 17, climbed through the second story of Hamilton's home to see his 14-year-old daughter. 

The now 21-year-old Mcquirter pleaded guilty to negligent homicide and illegal use of a weapon. Mcquirter originally faced second-degree murder charges before Tuesday's plea. 

Mcquirter was released on bond and must serve five years of supervised probation. Judge Collette Greggs added that McQuirter will stay with his mother with an enforced curfew of 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

The family of Hamilton says they felt the deal was unjust. "From 2nd degree murder to five years probation, nothing else to say, just numb," his mom, Danita Cage, said.

McQuirter's attorney, Ryan Bealieu, says he feels the judge's ruling is going to hold McQuirter accountable.

"I think she's gonna hold him accountable and keep his feet to the fire regarding his probation, but I just, I just think everyone involved, and again, all of my sincerest condolences to the family," he said.

Neither of Hamilton's parents was in agreement with the reduced charges for McQuirter. "Would not want any family to suffer to this degree, and those kids—we have a void that will never be filled."