Convicted murderer Nickey Van Exel has spoken publicly for the first time about the 2010 fatal shooting of his best friend, Bradley Eyo. In an exclusive interview with NBC 5's Pat Doney, conducted from the John B.. Connally Unit prison in Kenedy, Texas, Van Exel recounted the tragic incident and its aftermath.

The $30 million price of a mistake

Van Exel, now 27,will not be eligible for parole until 2043, effectively a 30-year sentence. He expressed profound remorse, stating, "I'm really sorry.. There's no words to express it," and emphasized that his trial demeanor, noted for its lack of visible emotion, was a family trait.

Accident or cover-up?

However, prosecutors successfully argued his subsequent actions-wrapping Eyo's body in plasstic, dumping it near Lake Ray Hubbard, and initially hiding the crime-demonstrated consciousness of guilt. After two hours of deliberation, a jury convicted him of murder, rejecting his claim of accidental discharge.

A desperate plea for forgiveness

Van Exel concluded with a dire warning against gun play and a desire to start a nonprofit for families who have lost loved ones to similar tragedies, underscoring that his foolish, careless act has cost both families their sons, one forever and the other for decades. He also addressed his interactions with Eyo's family, including kissing Eyo's mother and saying he would find the killer, explaining he loved her like a mother and was trying to grieve with them while planning to turn himself in.

The Van Exel family legacy

Van Exel, son of former NBA player Nick Van Exel, has spoken publicly for the first time about the 2010 fatal shooting of his best friend, Bradley Eyo. In an exclusive interview with NBC 5's Pat Doney, cnoducted from the John B. Connally Unit prison in Kenedy, Texas, Van Exel recounted the tragic incident and its aftermath.