The family of a Crown Heights woman found strangled feel they were denied justice after their loved one’s convicted killer was sentenced to seven years.

Barry Wells was put on trial this past January for the strangling death of Tonie Wells that took place back in December 2017. Tonie Wells was newly pregnant and just 22 years old when she was found dead in her Crown Heights home.

Supreme Court judge Dena Douglas allowed the jury to consider a lesser charge, and Barry Wells was convicted of criminally negligent homicide. He received a seven-year sentence – but since he had already served those years in jail, he will be free to go.

Barry Wells is currently in custody on Rikers Island facing an unrelated bribery charge.

“It’s not even a slap in the face, it’s a disgrace,” said Elizabeth Rivera, mother of Tonie Wells. “It’s more like a nightmare, it seems like a movie… this is not really happening.”

Tonie Wells had an order of protection against Barry at the time after he had been arrested three months prior for attacking her. The family has since started an Instagram page called “Take Action for Tonie” to connect with domestic violence victims and offer support.

The loved ones of Tonie Wells is now advocating for stricter laws when someone is convicted in a domestic violence-related case.

Howard Greenberg, who represented Barry Wells in this case, released the following statement following the jury's decision:

"For 34 years I've stood in the well and said the jury has spoken and we live with it. And if you believe in the rule of law you have to subscribe to that view."

Greenberg added that Wells is expected to be released from jail in the coming days.