MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee man who accidentally shot and killed his mother while trying to protect her from a domestic violence incident was sentenced to probation, Friday morning, Feb. 20. 

It was an emotional hearing for everyone involved, from the prosecutor to the judge, to 18-year-old Jalen Gray’s defense attorney. Everyone agreed that Gray was just a kid who was put in a heartbreaking position.

In court, prosecuting attorney Daniel Flaherty said this was the first time in his career he was recommending straight probation for an adjudicated juvenile in possession of a firearm.

“Truthfully, he was a child who was put in a position no child should ever be in by a man who was an adult and who made terrible decisions over and over and over again and that’s how we got here,” said Flaherty.

It was a moment of self-defense.

“Jalen Gray is a kid who has been through something that is wholly unimaginable. It’s incredibly traumatic. It’s a tragedy, and – it is something for which I believe he bears no moral culpability,” said Flaherty.

That's why prosecutors say they believe Gray should only serve probation after the gun Gray fired killed his mom, 34-year-old Amber Gray. Investigators say last April, Gray came home to his stepdad, Ziare Dalton, physically abusing Gray’s mom.

“The second this case –ultimately what happens, that night Ziare Dalton is threatening, he is physically violent,” said Flaherty.

Investigators say Dalton, who owned a gun, would frequently abuse Amber Gray and threaten to kill her, her parents, and her kids.

“That 911 call is recorded and it's among the most harrowing recordings I’ve ever heard. It’s heartbreaking,” said Flaherty.

Investigators say Gray illegally bought a gun to protect his family. That night, investigators say Gray fired 10 gunshots, one of which hit his mother in the head and killed her.

“What you have gone through sir, is unimaginable. I can’t – I can’t fathom it,” said Judge Kori Ashley.

In court, nearly everyone rallied behind Gray - stating jail or prison would not be justice for a kid, who was just trying to protect his mom.

Both the prosecution and the defense noted that since the traumatic incident, Gray has graduated high school with a high GPA and has a job.

“Finishing school and by doing community service and by working in the community and having a good job, you honor your mother’s legacy. You do,” said Ashley.