Young mother of two gets 20 to 50 years for killing her son’s father

A 23-year-old mother was sentenced to 20 to 50 years in prison Monday for killing the father of one of her two children.

Rochalonn Chapman was convicted of second-degree murder in the July 6 shooting of 20-year-old Trevhan Fields at the Mirabella Apartments, 2850 E. Bonanza Road, near Eastern Avenue.

Chapman apologized Monday for killing Fields but said she had no choice. She said the regular beatings she took from Fields had on at least one occasion caused her to fight for her life as her 4-year-old child looked on screaming, "Please don't kill my mommy."

"I was denied my right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," Chapman said.

She asked for leniency from District Judge Sally Loehrer, who had two options: 20 years to life in prison or a 20- to 50-year sentence.

The prosecutor had asked for the life sentence as did Fields' mother, Vanessa Fields.

"We have suffered from anger, not understanding why this was done," Fields told the court.

She said Chapman's actions will affect her grandson the most.

"No one will be able to take the place of a father's love," she said as she described how her son will not be there for even the early milestones of his son's life -- his first birthday, first words, first day of school.

Norm Reed, Chapman's attorney, said Chapman's mother is caring for her two children, the infant she had with Fields and the 4-year-old, whose father's whereabouts are unknown. Fields' family also has visitation rights.

Judge Loehrer urged the two families to work together to raise the children.

"This action has orphaned a child, two children. Her oldest never had a father," Loehrer said.

She urged Chapman to seek counseling in prison so that when she's released she knows how to avoid abusive relationships.

"You knew within a month of meeting this guy (that) he beat you, and you got pregnant," Loehrer said.