A group of Ohio teens found guilty of participating in a deadly prank late last year have been sentenced to a youth treatment facility where they must complete a mandated program in order avoid a possible sentence in juvenile detention.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, four suspects were arrested on suspicion of dropping a sandbag from an overpass that struck a car traveling below.

The incident killed a 22-year-old passenger. Marquise Byrd was transported from the scene to an area hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition and died a short time later.

The young father was traveling to Toledo where he intended to celebrate the holidays with friends when the sandbag crashed through the car’s windshield and struck him in the head.

Three of the suspects — Sean Carter, Demetrius Wimberly and William Parker — were 14 at the time of the crime. Pedro Salina was 13.

They were all accused of felonious assault, charges that were upgraded to include second-degree murder and conspiracy following Byrd’s death.

In court this week for sentencing, the boy’s apologized to their victim’s loved ones, as reported by the New York Post.

Reports indicate Byrd’s family in attendance had hoped for a stiffer sentence.

The judge, however, shared his belief that the treatment program the boys have been sentenced to complete will have a more positive impact on their lives than a stint behind bars.

If they do not complete the program, details about which were unavailable in initial reports, the boys could be remanded to custody in a juvenile detention facility for several years.

[Feature Photo: Toledo PD]