The young man who provided his friend with the gun used to kill an innocent 13-year-old boy pleaded guilty today to that offense and others stemming from the Oct. 4, 2007, fatal shooting of Steven Odom, Suffolk County District attorney Daniel F. Conley said today.

DAVID JOHNSON (D.O.B. 8/20/89) of Mattapan today admitted to charges of accessory before the fact to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, accessory after the fact to murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and being an armed career criminal.

Suffolk Superior Court Judge Judith Fabricant sentenced Johnson to a term of six to eight years in state prison to be followed by five years of probation upon his release. During the first three of those years, Johnson must obtain a GED, attend school, or maintain gainful employment; perform 20 hours of community service each month; submit to random drug and alcohol testing; and stay away from gang members.

Prosecutors dismissed an additional count of accessory before the fact to murder in light of Johnson’s readiness to plead guilty, the substance of his statements to investigators, and the mandatory life term that would have accompanied it were he convicted. The sentence and dismissal were recommended by Assistant District Attorney Patrick Haggan after extensive discussions with and input from Odom’s family.

“This resolution brings accountability, but it also brings a chance for redemption and the chance that this defendant can some day make amends for what he did,” Conley said. “It allows him the chance to intervene in other young lives and divert them from the path that led him here. It recognizes the Odom family’s remarkable compassion, the defendant’s admissions and remorse, and our obligation to seek a just sentence.”

Odom – a musician, athlete, and active member of his church – was shot to death a short distance from his Evans Street home as he returned from playing basketball at about 8:00 p.m. An exhaustive investigation by Suffolk prosecutors and Boston Police homicide detectives revealed that Odom was walking with friends, one of whom was mistaken for a rival by CHARLES BUNCH (D.O.B. 7/7/89) as Bunch drove past them.

Bunch contacted Johnson and said he needed a gun to “handle” that perceived rival. Johnson admitted today that he gave Bunch a loaded .357 Colt Python with the knowledge and shared intent that it would be used to shoot the rival. Johnson further admitted to taking the gun from Bunch after the shooting with knowledge of what had transpired and later giving it to another associate.

Bunch was shot to death Orlando Street 10 days later. His homicide remains under investigation but is not believed to be related to his role in Odom’s murder.

Prior to sentencing, members of Odom’s family addressed the court to tell of what they lost when his life was taken.

“Ever since that day, our lives have never been the same,” said Ronald Odom, Sr., the slain boy’s father. “Our lives have been lives of pain and suffering and sorrow …. The one message I hope can be promoted here today is, before we associate ourselves with anyone or anybody, to give long-term thinking. Think about the consequences we might face as a result of our involvement.”

Kim Odom, in her statement to the court, quoted from her son’s journal.

“I hope we can make peace in Boston because it’s a bad place to live,” she read. “All of these gangs are making more crime. That’s embarrassing to Boston … It’s a shame that somebody gets killed or shot every day. That’s why we seriously need peace.”

She also spoke to the court in her own words.

“Today many of us in the faith community observe this as Good Friday,” she said, “and although it doesn’t feel like a good Friday, I understand what this day represents. David, I believe in forgiveness. I believe in redemption and I believe in second chances, and I pray that today will be the turning point that will bring you to repentance and that God will develop the good in you.”

When she completed her statement, Fabricant spoke to her directly.

“You have a family you can be proud of,” the judge said softly.

Johnson was represented by attorney Eliot Levine.