Convicted Teen Murderer Sentenced to 23-50 Years After Smiling in Court During Victim Impact Statements

Ann Arbor, Michigan – Danta Wright, a 17-year-old from Ann Arbor, was sentenced to 23 to 50 years in prison for the second-degree murder of 18-year-old Jordan Klee. The sentencing hearing, which took place in July 2017, drew significant attention and outrage after Wright was observed smiling and laughing while Klee's family delivered their victim impact statements.

The incident sparked widespread public discussion, with one social media user, Adam Johnston, tweeting, "> This kids smile drew more media outrage than this brutal murder." The tweet highlighted a perceived disproportionate focus on the defendant's demeanor over the gravity of the crime itself.

Washtenaw County Judge David Swartz expressed strong disapproval of Wright's behavior in court. "Watching you sit there, smile, laugh, shake your head like this was no big deal— I’m very tempted to just say, 'I’m not going to accept this sentencing agreement and we’ll go to trial,'" Judge Swartz stated, indicating the potential for a life sentence if convicted of felony murder.

Jordan Klee was fatally shot in October 2016 during a robbery attempt. Wright, along with two other individuals, Jermarius Ellison and Delrano Gracey, were involved in the incident that led to Klee's death. Klee, a high school senior, was remembered by his family as an energetic and mechanically inclined young man who excelled in his studies and aspired to become an engineer.

Despite the judge's strong reaction, Klee's family ultimately opted not to pursue a full trial, seeking closure and a path toward forgiveness. Assistant Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney John Vella conveyed the family's wishes, stating they wanted to "try and forgive this defendant." Wright's defense attorney apologized on his client's behalf, attributing the smiling to fear, his age, and emotional issues, suggesting some individuals display fear by smiling.

Wright had pleaded guilty to armed robbery, felony firearm, and second-degree murder. His co-defendants, Ellison and Gracey, later received sentences of 15 to 40 years for their roles in Klee's death. The case underscored the profound emotional toll on victims' families and ignited a debate on courtroom conduct and public perception of justice.