West Oakland gang member will probably spend the rest of his life in prison for killing a rival gang membe

21-year-old West Oakland gang member will probably spend the rest of his life in prison for killing a rival gang member, a judge ruled Friday as she scolded the defendant's supporters for trying to use his troubled upbringing as an excuse for murder.

Alameda County Superior Judge Joan Cartwright sentenced Marcel Perry to the maximum of 57 years to life in prison for the 2008 slaying of Vincent Scott, saying "there was no reason" for the "ridiculous" killing.

"I find it a little unsettling that many people come in here and blame an unhappy childhood," Cartwright said as she responded to a letter from Perry's sister which detailed a troubled upbringing. "Respect your community and don't go out with assault rifles shooting up your neighborhood because of a stupid gang.

"It seems to be some kind of banner to go out and kill someone," Cartwright continued. "That is ridiculous."

Perry was found guilty earlier this year of first-degree murder for killing Scott with a military-style assault rifle as Scott drove his car on a busy San Pablo Boulevard during rush hour. Perry was also found guilty of an enhancement of using an assault rifle during the crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.