ROCK ISLAND - Judge Gregory Chickris said he won't change the sentence for Lamaree Wilson-Neuleib.
His attorney argued the sentence is too much and the court did not consider his age, mental health or outside pressure.
Wilson-Neuleib was 17 at the time of the murder and with his sentence will not get out of jail until the age of 77.
It was a sigh of relief for Phillip's mother when the judge denied the request.
"The judge made the correct decision, I mean in my opinion... he knowingly went there to unload a clip into a car, he made a decision to kill people and he did and he should suffer the consequences of his actions, I think we know right from wrong at a young age," said Lyndie McCoy.
Wilson-Neuleib's attorney has filed an appeal.