Identical twins convicted of fatally shooting a man in the North Side as he picked up children for a Pirates game were sentenced this morning to life in prison.

An Allegheny County jury convicted Jovon and Devon Knox, both 18, of second-degree murder for the July 8, 2007, killing of Jehru Donaldson, 18, as he sat in his car.

Donaldson's father, Jay Donaldson, said his son was an innocent person who didn't deserve to die.

"He just got his driver's license and he was on his way to college," said Donaldson, 55, of Fineview. "They had every chance in the world to let him go, but they chased him and shot him down like a dog."

Donaldson praised the witnesses -- who were children -- for coming forward in the case.

"People who witness crimes as adults should step up to the plate and learn from these kids," Donaldson said. "The no-snitch pledge, or whatever you want to call it, should be thrown out the window. In order to protect the community, you have to serve it and that means being noble, standing up for what's right. If you truly want change in your community you have to take a risk and inform on bad deeds."

The twins wore the identical blue, plaid suits they wore throughout their trial. During that trial, a 10-year-old witness caused confusion when he pointed out Jovon Knox as the triggerman, contrary to other testimony. The twins had switched seats during an earlier recess.

Prosecutors argued that identifying which twin pulled the trigger didn't matter because both conspired to steal the victim's car. Donaldson was killed during the commission of that felony and, by law, both men are responsible for the murder, Deputy District Attorney Bruce Beemer said.

The twins approached Donaldson because he wasn't from their neighborhood, Beemer argued. Donaldson tried to drive away after Devon Knox pointed the gun at his head, he said.

Donaldson had just graduated from Oliver High School and was planning to attend Edinboro University.

Common Pleas Judge Donna Jo McDaniel imposed the sentences.

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