ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – A Berrien County teenager has been sentenced 14 to 30 years in prison for the murder of her boyfriend.
17-year-old Destiny Coulson pleaded guilty to second degree murder in the death January 24 of 21-year-old David Quinn, Junior of Eau Claire.
Coulson, who attorneys say is expected to serve the minimum 14 years, will be moved to the Women’s Prison in Ypsilanti, Mich. in the next two weeks.
She has already served 9 months, which will be deducted from her sentence.
Police say Coulson and Quinn were living in his home in Pipestone Township when the couple started a day and night of drinking and fighting that included threats of breaking up and suicide.
Coulson, who turned 17 in March, was waived to adult court because of the seriousness of the crime.
Judge Gary Bruce could have given Coulson a minimum of 16 years behind bars but took into consideration she had no prior criminal record and had a difficult family life.
Coulson told the court before being sentenced she takes full responsibility for what she did and that she is extremely sorry.
A usually emotionless Coulson broke down in tears and covered her face as she listened to letters written by David Quinn's family. Prosecutor Steve Pierangeli read them out loud for the family because the family was too upset to read them.
"She's not only a murderer, she's a liar," said a letter written by Quinn's aunt. "She claimed to love D.J. She's a thief. She stole D.J.'s heart and his dreams, his love and his life."
The letter went on to say Destiny should be punished to the maximum extent of the law.
D.J.'s parents, David and Karen Quinn, also wrote a brief statement aimed directly at Coulson, a young lady they welcomed into their family.
"Destiny, we loved you and D.J. We pray now that God would take that what Satan meant for bad and turn it around for good."
Coulson then stood and quietly read a two-page apology letter.
