Wichita swatter Tyler Barriss sentenced to 20 years in jail

Infamous Wichita swatter Tyler Barriss will spend at least the next two decades in prison.

Barriss, known for the “swatting prank” that led to the death of 28-year-old Andrew Finch, was sentenced to 20 years in jail today, according to the Associated Press.

The 26-year-old took a plea deal after being accused of committing “51 federal charges related to fake calls and threats,” according to the AP. The AP also reports that “prosecutors believe it is the longest prison sentence ever imposed for the practice of ‘swatting.'”

Barriss was arrested in December 2017 for calling in a fake hostage situation that led to Finch’s death. Two Call of Duty players got into an argument over an online wager match. One player gave a fake address to their opponent, who contacted Barriss to make the call that brought police to Finch’s home in Wichita, Kansas. Barriss was charged with involuntary manslaughter after authorities shot and killed Finch in the doorway of his home following the call.

Swatting has become a serious issue in the gaming community—but Barriss’ sentence should set a precedent as an extreme example of the dangers of making similar false calls.