Woman apologizes to slain teen's family

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Her teenage son killed a popular high school basketball player last year.  But then, Heidi Quinn hid the guns involved and was charged with tampering evidence.

At her sentencing this morning, Hillsborough Circuit Judge Michelle Sisco nudged Quinn to apologize. "Is there anything you want to say to the Johnson family here today?"

With that, Quinn turned to Jayquon Johnson’s family.  "I'm very sorry for what happened,” she offered.  “I understand your anger. I can't even imagine how bad you feel about this. I'm very sorry. this hurts me too.”

Quinn's teen son, Cody, shot and killed the Brandon High School basketball star during an argument over drugs.  The shooting happened in Quinn's garage.

She explained in court that when she heard the gunshot, she panicked and hid the two guns. "I was thinking I need to put them away so nothing will happen.”

Prosecutors say the shooting was self-defense, so Cody was never charged.  But his mother was -- charged with tampering with evidence, and a jury recently convicted her.

At her sentencing, Jayquon's father -- with a broken heart -- offered forgiveness.

"Knowing that the adult -- that’s you, Ms. Heidi Quinn -- didn't do the responsible thing, what was morally right, call for help for my son Jayquon Johnson -- I want to tell you, Ms. Heidi Quinn, you're going to be alright as well, just like me and my family,” said Johnny Johnson. 

Before her sentence, Judge Michelle Sisco wanted to hear remorse and regret for what Quinn had done. “You understand you made a horrible mistake.”

It’s a mistake that will cost her 30 days in jail, followed by two years of house arrest and two years of probation.

Quinn's son is now facing weapon and drug charges.