Scranton teen sentenced for fatal gang-related stabbing

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article may have been unclear about when the sentencing would take place.

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office says the teen who was convicted of being involved in a fatal stabbing in Scranton was sentenced Tuesday afternoon.

The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office announced that 18-year-old Amir Williams was sentenced to 38 years to life in prison for the stabbing death of 18-year-old Tyler McKenna during a gang-related fight near Scranton High School.

During the sentencing, Tyler’s mother and father spoke directly to the judge and to Williams, expressing their pain and grief over the loss of their son.

They shared the heartbreaking reality that Tyler was about to become a father, and now his child will grow up without him.

In a letter read to the court, William’s mother apologized to the McKenna family, acknowledging the shared loss and tragedy of the event, and asked the judge for mercy for her son.

Williams addressed the court himself and expressed his remorse, even saying karma can come back and haunt him.

Judge Gibbons remarked on Amir’s association with a gang, stating that his decision to be in one ultimately led him to the courtroom on Tuesday.

“I think the sentence is a firm sentence, delivers a clear message, gang activity is not going to be tolerated there’s going to be serious consequences to individuals who join gangs, commit crimes while gang members, and hopefully that acts as a deter and protects all of us,” Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell said.

Two other individuals were arrested for the crime as well, however, District Attorney Powell could not comment on their cases at this time because they are juveniles.

In 2022, 28/22 News reported three people were arrested after an altercation ended the life of McKenna.

The video footage from the altercation showed then, 16-year-old Amir Williams stabbing McKenna three times in the back and side while he was engaging in a fight with another suspect.

Officials say in the footage a third party joined the fight and Williams stabbed McKenna at least four more times in the chest area.

McKenna died from his injuries.

Investigators say a connection was later made between a Scranton drive-by shooting and the fatal stabbing.

In addition to his sentence, Williams will also serve two years of probation.

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