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The mother of Bowie teenager Stacey Seaton, who was shot and killed in 2005, expressed frustration today after a faxing error further delayed her six-year wait for justice in her daughter's death.

Sitting in an Upper Marlboro courtroom this morning Seaton's parents, Gale and Michael Seaton, learned the sentencing of McDonald Abraham III that was scheduled for today had been delayed to April 22 because the request for Abraham's court appearance had been faxed to the wrong prison.

"I was looking forward to moving forward," said Gale Seaton, of Bowie, as she sat with family, friends and supporters. "It's just frustrating."

Prince George's County Circuit Court Judge Michael Pearson explained that Abraham's attorney, public defender Michael Beach, had asked that Abraham be brought to the courtroom, but that the fax had been sent to the wrong prison and that the prison holding Abraham was never notified.

Abraham, 27, who lived in Bowie at the time of the shooting, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder and the use of a handgun in a crime of violence. He was initially charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Seaton, who was 17 when she died.

He faces a maximum of 50 years in prison, including 30 years for second-degree murder and 20 for the use of a handgun in a crime of violence.

The prosecutor in the case, Assistant State's Attorney E. Wesley Adams, declined to say where Abraham is being held while awaiting sentencing.

A second man has been charged in Seaton's death. Jarvis Dejuan Tyler, 25, of Orlando, Fla., was arrested Jan. 28 and is accused of being the person who shot Seaton in the back of the head.

Tyler has been charged with first-degree murder, use of a handgun in commission of a crime of violence and conspiracy to commit murder. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on March 11. His trial is scheduled for Aug. 1.

If convicted, Tyler could face life in prison or the death penalty.

Gale Seaton said today that a five-minute DVD that she had prepared as part of her victim impact statement at the sentencing will be included in the court record.

The DVD shows photos of Stacey Seaton with family and friends as a child and as a teenager. She was hoping to pursue a career in fashion when she was killed.

According to charging documents in Abraham's case, illegal drugs and money were stolen from his apartment and he mistakenly held her responsible for the theft. According to prosecutors, Tyler was hired to kill her.

Like his wife, Michael Seaton said he was anticipating today's sentencing and preparing emotionally to get through it.

It's very draining," he said. "Every time, it takes a toll."

But even after Abraham is sentenced, the Seatons still see more ahead, including the Tyler trial and then appeals and parole hearings.

"This never goes away," Michael Seaton said. "This will be going on for the rest of our lives."

vterhune@gazette.net