A 25-year-old man has been sentenced to a mere 10 years in prison for the tragic killing of a 19-year-old woman on her birthday, prompting outrage from the victim’s mother. She believes that such a sentence is insufficient for the gravity of the crime.
The incident occurred in January 2023, when Treasure Burton was celebrating her birthday in Houston. During the festivities, she met Ivan Livingston and a friend. The situation escalated quickly, leading to Livingston shooting Treasure in the heart while she was in the sunroof of her car. Her mother, Danielle Burton, described the shocking moment, stating, “It was a kill shot. She died almost instantly.” What began as an assault tragically transformed into a murder.
Livingston eventually pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a sentence of 10 years in prison. Court records indicate that he was granted 1.5 years of credit towards his term, which means he could be eligible for parole in approximately three years.
The presiding judge in the case, Lori Chambers Gray of the 262nd Criminal District Court, ultimately determined Livingston’s fate. Danielle Burton expressed her frustration, claiming that the judge did not fully consider the evidence presented. “I didn’t feel like the judge even listened,” she remarked. “He was caught in several lies, and yet she said he showed remorse, which influenced her decision to give him such a lenient sentence.”
Livingston faced a maximum possible sentence of 20 years, but the judge opted for a much shorter term. Danielle described the situation as “horrible,” asserting that the shot was deliberate and questioning how a criminal could receive such limited punishment for taking a life.
