BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) — In May 2009, then 14-year-old Zachary Neagle shot and killed his 32-year-old father, Jason Neagle, in their Caldwell home. He was sentenced to seven years after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter.

His defense argued that years of sexual abuse prompted the killing. Neagle said he did it to protect his siblings.

In an interview with the Idaho Press-Tribune -- nearly nine years later -- Neagle reflected on the time he served and his choice to keep looking forward.

"It was hard it was kind of a mixed emotions of knowing that I kept my siblings safe but it was also hard losing my father and taking their father," Neagle said.

Neagle served five years in the Nampa Juvenile Corrections Center before a judge released him on probation.

"I saw lots of people who weren't these as long as me go in and out," Neagle said. "I saw a lot of people leave saw a lot of staff who would start and then leave so just how long I was there."

He said staying busy helped pass the time.

"I did a lot of art, did a lot of pictures that was my main thing. Kind of my coping thing as well," Neagle said. "I did try to do as much activities as I could . I like to try and stay active as much as possible. It helped make the time go by a little bit faster."

Neagle said his family and a few family friends were supportive through it all. He said he didn't know what to think about all the support he received from strangers, admitting for him, it was awkward.

"It was really weird seeing myself on the news and seeing -- just getting letters from random people that I had never known whatsoever," Neagle said.

Now Neagle says his life is mainly just about going to work and taking care of his dog. Every once in awhile he will go to a concert or hang out with his friends.

He says the main thing that helps him stay positive is looking forward.

"Looking forward to different life experiences," Neagle said. "I want to be able to travel go to see new things, try new things. I'd just like to have that new adventure and different stuff that I could possibly do."

To see the full interview head to the Idaho Press Tribune website.

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