Trick-or-treat killing suspect wants time reduced

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A convicted drug dealer accused of answering a Halloween door knock by spraying bullets, killing a 12-year-old trick-or-treater, wants his sentence reduced.

Quentin Lamar Patrick said in federal court documents filed earlier this month that his attorneys should have challenged his classification as an armed career criminal.

Patrick is serving more than 16 years on a federal weapons charge. A state murder charge is still pending while Patrick serves his federal sentence.

Authorities say Patrick emptied a gun into his front door when he heard a knock on Halloween night 2008.

T.J. Darrisaw died in the rain of bullets. With three prior drug convictions, Patrick was not legally allowed to have the AK-47 and 9 mm handgun police found at his home.

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