Hear mother’s emotional poem read at the sentencing of her 17-year-old daughter’s killer (video)

Syracuse, N.Y. – The mother of 17-year-old Karlianne Short wrote a poem in memory of her daughter that was read Friday at the sentencing of her daughter’s killer.
Angela Short stood holding her daughter’s ashes as prosecutor Maureen Barry read the poem about the pain of losing her child.
Karlianne Short, 17, was out buying a bottle of water at a convenience store near Parkside Commons apartment complex on July 4, 2023, when she was shot in the chest just outside the store on East Fayette Street.
Malcolm Barner, 29, admitted to firing the fatal shot. He was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison Friday.
Related article: Grieving mother brings 17-year-old daughter’s ashes to her killer’s sentencing in Syracuse
The courtroom was silent as Barry read the poem. Here is a transcript:
Today, the darkness grows inside me.
I stumble all the time.
Keep on walking, but only want to run back to the days when you were fine.
The pain continues to flow through my heart, soul, spirit and mind.
Heaven just received the greatest angel.
Whole existence.
You a butterfly.
Every second of the day, the darkness falls on me.
The love in my heart is at war.
I don’t fear my mortality.
Forever, you’re going to be adored.
The gates always closed on me, but you found a way to break in.
My soul continues to erupt.
The Devil’s pain cast away, floating in.
Every second of the day, the darkness falls on me.
The love in my heart is at war.
I don’t fear my mortality.
Forever, you’re going to be adored.
Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at [email protected].