Family continues to mourn as man sentenced in Flint Township murder on I-75 in April 2023 | Crime

Nicholas Hetzer was sentenced to 27 to 50 years in prison for the murder of Christopher “CJ” Otto Jr. GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) - The family of Christopher 'CJ' Otto Jr. continues to heal, as they said some justice was served during Monday's sentencing of his alleged killer.More than a dozen family members were in 7th Circuit Court Judge Mark Latchana's courtroom for Nicholas Hetzer's sentencing. Shooting on I-75 in Flint Township results in 27-year prison sentenceThe 37-year-old man was accused of shooting and killing CJ in a vehicle they were in together on I-75 near Miller Road in Flint Township in April 2023. It is alleged that Hetzer then dumped the 30-year-old man's body near the Coolidge Park Apartments on Van Buren Avenue in Flint. 36-year-old suspect charged with murder of 30-year-old Durand manHetzer pleaded no contest in May 2023 in a plea agreement. This is not an admission of guilt, but it indicates that Hetzer accepts punishment for what happened.Hetzer was sentenced Monday to at least 27 to 50 years in prison on second-degree murder and weapons charges. He told the family he was sorry for their loss and could not take back his actions.Tears and memories from 30-year-old Durand's family flooded the courtroom.“We look forward to the day when memories bring fewer tears and more smiles,” said the victim's mother, Lisa Herbert. “He was caring, kind, compassionate, very loving and he was loved by everyone.”It was April of last year when Lisa Herbert and her family learned that her son had been the victim of a shooting.“She was a diamond in the rough,” said Dr. Terri Scott, the victim’s aunt. "He shone in this dark and dreary world. He helped people, he loved them, he forgave them."Nearly 14 months later, it's still a loss, the family said, but they will continue to feel it. 1:04 Family continues to grieve as man is sentenced in Flint Township murder on I-75 in April 2023."I know my son, and I know he was very forgiving, and I feel comfortable saying he would forgive Nick, so knowing Nick is sorry is a comfort," the mother said. victim.As the family continues to heal from a broken heart, they say the sentencing was a step toward bringing closure to the criminal case."He was a kid who could have moved the world, and because his life was taken away, we lost him," said Eric Scott, CJ's uncle. "It's not a loss that will ever go away. I just hope that time will make things better," said the victim's uncle.