Jaylin Brazier sentenced to max of 100 years in prison for murder of Zion Foster

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Jaylin Brazier received a 100-year maximum prison sentence for the murder of his cousin Zion Foster.

A jury found 25-year-old Jaylin Brazier guilty of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence last month in connection with Zion Foster's death in 2022. He was sentenced to 38-90 years for the murder charge and 5-10 years for the tampering charge. These sentences will be served consecutively. 

Judge Donald Knapp explained his reasoning for handing down a consecutive sentence and exceeding the sentencing guidelines.

"He remains largely unable to accept responsibility," he said.

Knapp said that the relationship between Brazier and Foster was a big factor in his decision. He noted that Foster regarded Brazier as her favorite cousin and was "his greatest admirer." 

Brazier first denied being with Foster before she disappeared. He then claimed Foster suddenly died while the two were hanging out and smoking weed in January 2022. He told police that he threw her body in a dumpster because he was scared. Foster's body has never been found.

However, in just 30 minutes, a jury determined he murdered Foster.

After the conviction, Foster's father had a message for the jury.

"Thank you. You saved a lot of lives today. You saved a lot of families heartbreak and misery," James Royster said. 

He also had some words for Brazier.

"You thought you were smart, you tried to be slick. The people saw you for what you are," Royster said.

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