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Rosa Lewis came to Pima County Superior Court Wednesday, looked straight at the young man who killed her grandson and politely asked one thing of him.

She asked him to write her once a month from prison.

Joseph D. Taylor, 23, was sentenced to 10.5 years behind bars Wednesday in the Aug. 21, 2007, death of Darryl Lewis, 19.

Authorities believe Taylor shot Lewis to death after the young men exchanged words in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 200 block of South Kolb Road.

Taylor pleaded guilty to manslaughter and could have received anywhere from seven to 15 years in prison.

During his sentencing hearing Wednesday, Deputy Pima County Attorney Mark Diebolt and defense attorney Eric Larsen agreed the incident was yet another example of the "stupid gang mentality" that is so prevalent in Tucson nowadays.

Larsen also said, however, that Taylor felt threatened by Lewis, but not to the extent that would have justified his actions.

Rosa Lewis told Pima County Superior Court Judge Gus Aragón she and her late husband raised Darryl, who dreamed of becoming a rap music star. She said he was always full of smiles and quick to say, "I love you" and "Thank you."

She told Taylor she wanted to hear from him at least once a month to find out how he's living his life.

When given his chance to speak, a tearful Taylor apologized to the Lewis family, saying he never intended to hurt anyone and his biggest regret in life is buying a gun.

"I really wish you could forgive me. That's a real big thing for me," Taylor said.

Over the last year, Taylor has obtained his high school equivalency diploma, been baptized and regularly attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and counseling sessions.

It's important to him that people believe he has "changed from the inside out" and will be a law-abiding citizen once released from prison, Taylor said.

"I hope you can believe me when I say I'm sorry," Taylor said.

Aragón told Taylor if he wants to write Rosa Lewis, the Pima County Attorney's Office's victim-witness advocacy program will make sure she gets any letters.

After the hearing, Lewis explained she has heard many young men say they've found God in jail only to fall back into a lawless existence once they are released.

"If (Taylor) has really found Christ, he'll stay in touch with me," Lewis said.

As a Christian, she said, she had no choice but to forgive Taylor.