A Minnesota Father Surprised 2 Teenagers Rummaging Through His Wife’s Vehicle. So, One Shot Him Dead.

A Minnesota teenager was sentenced to more than two decades behind bars for the murder of a father of two who was attempting to stop a car break-in outside his home, according to authorities.

On May 6, the wife of 44-year-old Michael Brasel found him shot outside their St. Paul home, KSTP reported.

Court documents claim 17-year-old Kle Swee and his friend, Ta Mla, were rummaging through the vehicle of Brasel’s wife when he surprised the duo and grabbed Mla.

According to police, Mla alleged he saw Swee point a gun at Brasel and then fire.

In August, Swee pleaded guilty to the murder charge, KSTP reported.

Swee's lawyers claimed he fired the shots in self-defense and was trying to protect his friend. They requested the judge for a lower sentence of 15 years.

The state, however, argued in favor of the 25½-year sentence, the maximum allowed under the terms of the plea agreement, according to KSTP.

Judge JaPaul Harris recently sentenced Swee to the maximum penalty for the shooting Brasel. The defendant received credit for 152 days already served.

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During his sentencing, Swee offered an apology and Judge Harris urged him to use his sentence as a chance to better himself. according to KSTP.

Swee's alleged accomplice, Mla, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Brasel’s death. His next court appearance is scheduled for early November.