Judge Denies Leniency For Co-Defendant In Garner Case

One of seven defendants in the Christmas Day stabbing death of 20-year-old Buck Garner was denied a reconsideration of his five-year prison sentence Monday.

Ryan Morgan, 19, was sentenced in March for his part in a fight that took place on the other side of the room the day Garner was stabbed. He has been incarcerated for four months.

Morgan asked Judge Dane Watkins Jr. for leniency, saying that his role in the assault of Andrew Hall was less than his co-defendants.

He asked for the opportunity to show he can be out in the community and observed.

?That term ?rehabilitation? is a larger word for doing what is right,? said Watkins. ?It is this court?s desire that you continue to recognize that you can continue to be rehabilitated and do those things that are right.?

Watkins, however, said it was difficult to compare sentences and rejected Morgan?s request for probation.

The judge said it came down to prior criminal history.

“I hope that your future is different from the past,? Watkins said. “I don?t believe that probation is appropriate.?

Also denied Monday was another defendant in the Garner case, Brent Pongyan, 18, who asked for a motion to release without bond before trial due to financial considerations. Although a child protective services worker vouched for him, Pongyan?s request was denied and he remains in jail.