BREAKING: Randon Wilkerson sentenced to two life sentences plus 212 years

DELAWARE – The man convicted of killing Delmar Police Corporal Keith Heacook has been sentenced to prison.

Randon Wilkerson was sentenced Friday morning to two consecutive life sentences plus 212 years and 30 days, all to run consecutively.

“Justice is served, it just unfortunately can’t bring him back,” explained Anita Feaster, Cpl. Heacook’s sister. “The family can start to breathe and hopefully we can get some healing. It’s gonna be a longtime healing, but hopefully we’re gonna get there.”

Closure was the sentiment inside the courtroom as Cpl. Heacook’s family, the Delmar community, and law enforcement alike gathered for the final chapter of what has been a years long battle for justice.

The prosecution started by addressing the court with a statement from Cpl. Heacook’s wife, Susan who said the ordeal has been the most devastating experience she’s ever had to endure. In the prepared statement, she shared memories of her husband and how his death has impacted her and her family.

Cpl. Heacook’s 14-year-old son Matthew also prepared a statement that was read by prosecutors. He shared how he cried for hours following the death of his father, saying quote: “my life hasn’t been the same since. I miss having my dad in my life.”

Prosecutors went on to highlight Wilkerson’s long history of drug addiction and how it shattered lives as a result of it, explaining how Cpl. Heacook’s Mother reportedly died of a broken heart following the tragedy.

“If he does not care about his own life, he does not care about the lives of others,” explained David Hume, a DOJ prosecutor, who demanded the maximum sentence and shared with the court that Wilkerson had overdosed at least 12 times over the course of his more than a decade long battle with drug addiction.

Following the prosecution’s remarks, Judge Craig Karsnitz permitted the defense to address the court. They argued at length that Wilkerson’s rampage was the result of his drug addiction and delusion.

“Drugs,” defense attorney Patrick Collins said firmly at the start of his remarks. “By age 16, he [Wilkerson] turned to alcohol, by age 22 he was homeless drug addicted.”

The defense then went on to suggest that because of Wilkerson’s drug addiction, in the midst of his delusional rampage the night of the murder, he was allegedly under the impression that he killed a child molester and not a police officer.

“He was in the midst of a drug induced delusion,” Collins stated. “There can be no doubt that Wilkerson was laboring under a bizarre, strong delusion that he had to stop a child predator.”

It was at that point that Wilkerson was permitted to address the court following his attorney’s remarks.

“I know because of my actions it caused someone their life,” Wilkerson said. “It took a while for things to register with me.”

Staring down at the paper that contained his prepared statement, Wilkerson said: “it breaks my heart to know I caused such harm because that’s not who I am. I was out of my mind.” He then spoke to the family directly, saying “I can only pray for your forgiveness. I’m sincerely sorry.”

Wilkerson’s expression of remorse and the defense’s emphasis on his drug induced state was not enough to sway Judge Karsnitz.  He told Wilkerson quote: “I believe you know what you were doing. You chose the life you wanted to live.”

“My heart goes out to Cpl. Heacook’s wife, his family, and especially his son,” Judge Karsnitz said prior to handing down the sentence.

Also in attendance was Delmar Mayor Tom Bauer, who we met outside the courthouse following the sentencing. He broke down in tears when we asked how he felt: “it was emotional. I’m glad this part is over.”

Some local law enforcement officers retired following Cpl. Heacook’s murder. But for those who are still putting their lives on the line every day- with the constant reminder of the risk it takes to protect and serve – Delmar Police Chief Ivan Barkley had the following words: “this was devastating in a lot of ways and what I say to those who hold strong is stay the course and be safe.”

Following Wilkerson’s sentencing, Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued a statement thanking prosecutors and law enforcement.

“Cpl. Keith Heacook’s murderer has received the maximum sentence for his crimes and will spend the rest of his life in prison,” Attorney General Jennings explained. “I’m grateful to the Court for its sentence, and to the prosecutors and law enforcement who worked day and night to secure Randon Wilkerson’s convictions. Right now we ask that everyone keep the Heacook family, the law enforcement community, and all of Delmar in their hearts as they heal from this trauma. Closure is more elusive than justice, and the road ahead is still long.”

Wilkerson was found guilty on all 16 counts during a one-day bench trial that took place back in October.