A Richmond County Juvenile Court judge issued the maximum sentence Wednesday to a 12-year-old boy who admitted to taking part in the killing of his neighbor.

In a tear-filled courtroom the boy was sentenced to juvenile detention until he is 21. With good behavior and a GED the juvenile system can release him earlier.

The boy admitted he and Willie Casey robbed, shot and killed Roosevelt Cowins inside his home on Fenwick Street in March. The boy says he was high at the time, after smoking marijuana earlier in the day.

The 12-year-old says Casey shot the victim twice and says he shot him a third time. Casey committed suicide in the Richmond County jail a few days after being arrested.

The boy's mother and grandmother and the victim's sister and fiancé were in court.

The boy’s mother, who was in prison at the time, says she thinks the sentence was too stiff, but she also tells NBC Augusta she sees it as an opportunity to turn her son around.

"College is definitely in his future. I'll make sure it is paid for," said Mother Crystal Jackson, "For Ms. Trent, I can't bring back her brother, but I can make restitution through my son."

Cowins' sister tells NBC Augusta she thinks the sentence was too light, but it is the maximum sentence allowed under Georgia state law. Minors cannot be charged with murder as an adult until age 13.