A Nevada mother displayed visible relief in court as her 16-year-old son avoided incarceration for the fatal shooting of his father during a family dispute over electronic devices.
Lincoln Peterson was sentenced to five years of probation last Thursday for killing his father, Jeremy Peterson, 45, in December of last year. The shooting occurred during an escalating argument that began when his parents confiscated his electronics due to poor academic performance.
The incident unfolded on December 28 when Lincoln’s parents suspected him of secretly using electronic devices despite the punishment. During the confrontation, his mother Abigail allegedly struck him with a belt. As Lincoln attempted to leave the situation, he fired a handgun that had been placed on top of a dryer.
Clark County District Judge Tierra Jones imposed the probationary sentence despite prosecutors seeking a prison term of six to 15 years. Judge Jones noted the unprecedented level of community support for the defendant.
The case revealed troubling warning signs preceding the tragedy. Lincoln’s sister informed investigators that weeks before the shooting, he had brandished an unloaded weapon at family members and pointed it at his own head while pulling the trigger.
During sentencing, Lincoln expressed remorse, stating: “None of this was ever my intention… I regret all of it.”
The probation terms require Lincoln to complete counseling, earn his high school diploma, maintain a curfew, and provide electronic device passwords to parole officers. He is prohibited from consuming drugs or alcohol. Violation of these conditions could result in a prison sentence of three to 7.5 years.
Prosecutor Laura Rose expressed disappointment with the sentence, arguing that the violence of the case warranted incarceration. She characterized the incident as “a 15-year-old with some impulse control issues” who “made a really terrible mistake.”
Abigail Peterson addressed the court about her profound loss, saying: “Nothing compares to losing the love of my life, my husband, and knowing that my own son’s action was the cause… Unless you’ve stood in my place, you cannot understand the depth of the pain that coexists with forgiveness and love.”
The case highlights the tragic consequences that can result from family conflicts involving adolescents with access to firearms and underlying behavioral issues.
