DEJA VU: June 26 melee in a Genesee County District Courtroom.
The sentencing was for the man convicted of killing Jaquan Dudley, the son of Flint's former interim police chief.
Kerr was found guilty last month of second-degree murder and two weapons charges in the June 2008 murder of Dudley.
What started the fight is not clear as it started in the hall and we were inside the courtroom.
The judge sentenced Kerr to life in prison. Kerr's mother stood up and said something like, "Don't take my child away."
Three people whom we believe to be the victim's family members got up, said a few choice words to Kerr and Kerr responded. The men left the courtroom and the judge carried on.
Kerr's mother was led out of the courtroom by a female deputy. Moments later the courthouse hallway erupted and the crowd rushed out.
The scene happened outside of Judge Richard Yuille's courtroom around 4:30 p.m.
Punches were flying and members of Flint's Safe Streets Task Force came in to help. We had to blur their faces so as not to identify them.
The brawl lasted about three minutes. About 30 people were involved. In the end, up to eight people were arrested, Kerr's mother included.
We spoke with the victim's mother after all of this. She was inside the courtroom during this fight. She says despite the fight, she's satisfied Kerr was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton says he is very disappointed with what happened and with the "lack of respect" shown Monday.
Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell says he simply needs more money and more staff to staff these court proceedings and he will be making a plea to the Board of Commissioners soon.
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