The tension in the Dallas courtroom was palpable as Kevin Sheffield sat expressionless, listening to the searing words of his victim's brother: "I promise to God I'd blow your f----- head off."
Sheffield, who pleaded guilty to the random killings of two men, Joseph Syas and Mohamed Karam, in 2022, was sentenced to 50 years in prison during a plea hearing. The convicted murderer remained motionless throughout the emotionally charged victim impact statements, where the families of the victims poured out their grief and anger.
"Two years, I waited for this day just to see you", Anthony Syas, Joseph's brother, said to Sheffield, "What you did to my brother, you didn't kill him; you murdered my brother. You shot my brother, went down the street and came back and shot my brother again and watched my brother die."
"I wish they'd given you two years because I promise to God I'd blow your f----- head off!" Anthony threatened. "I'm not going to touch him. I'm gone."
In May 2022, Sheffield shot and killed 65-year-old Joseph Syas as he walked home from the store in Northeast Dallas. Without warning, Sheffield, 20 years old at the time, drove his mother's car past Syas, turned around, and fired multiple bullets, leaving Syas dead, according to Fox 4.
"And just walking back from the store, and bullets hit him left and right for no reason. No reason," said Kenyetta Peters, Syas's niece.
License plate readers later led detectives to Sheffield's parents' apartment in Lake Highlands.
Ballistics from a handgun linked him to the murder of 64-year-old Mohamed Kamara, who lived across the street from Sheffield.
Kamara was shot and killed outside his apartment as he was leaving for work. "He was in search of greener pastures," said Kamara's cousin, who also noted Kamara left behind a wife and three children.
During the courtroom confrontation, Joseph Syas's family voiced their heartbreak. "I hate you. I pray you never see daylight again. I hate you," said his sister, Ceola Syas. "I don't know what your mind is going through. I don't even know what type of animal you are, but you didn't have to kill my brother."
The family members pointed out that Sheffield displayed no remorse throughout the hearing. "He just sat there and looked like he didn't care," said Tamara Syas, Joseph's niece. "We know he is off the streets. My family, we're going to do everything we can to make sure he serves every bit of those 50 years."
Sheffield's plea deal came just weeks before his trial was set to begin. Though suspicions lingered about his involvement in other crimes, prosecutors confirmed that only two cases had been filed against him, and no further charges would be pursued. Sheffield will be eligible for parole after serving 25 years, with credit for time served.
