A man has been sentenced to life nearly a decade after his stepfather was gunned down outside of his Huntsville home.

Clarence Fearn maintained his innocence when he was sentenced Thursday, looking George Woodard’s family in the eyes as he said, “I did not shoot Mr. Woodard.” AL.com reports prosecutors have said Fearn felt disrespected by Woodard because his stepfather told him he was too old to stay at home, do drugs and get in trouble.

Defense attorney Joe Lampley asked the judge to vacate Fearn’s conviction and order a new trial. He says the testimony from the prosecution’s star witness should be thrown out.

The judge refused. Lampley plans to appeal the sentence.

(Associated Press, copyright 2018)