Linda Sommervold remembers her son, Josh, as a cheerful and active young man who called her every day to say, “hi, Mama.”

On Monday, she spoke at the sentencing hearing of two men accused in his death, who agreed to plead guilty to aggravated robbery in exchange for their testimony against a third assailant believed to be the gunman.

The two defendants, Adrian Works, 27, and Andrew Dickerson, 33, were sentenced to 21 years and 25 years, respectively. The terms varied because of their criminal histories, 4th Judicial District Judge Gilbert Martinez said.

Sommervold, choking back tears, said her son played ice hockey, was a snowboarder and belonged to Bethany Lutheran Church. “He was the neighbor who helped ladies with their groceries,” she said.

“I miss his wonderful smile and laugh,” she said. “He was a wonderful kid with a wonderful future ahead of him.”

On Jan. 3, 2008, Josh Sommervold was shot and killed during what police described as a botched robbery attempt when three men crashed a poker game he was hosting.

According to detectives, Josh Sommervold, 21, was dealing marijuana and was killed during an attempt to steal his money and drugs.

But his mother denied he was selling marijuana, saying, “Those who knew him know better.”

Works, tears streaming down his face, begged the Sommervold family for forgiveness. “I have taken full responsibility for my actions,” he said. “I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

His two sisters described him as “a good guy” who looked after them and his nephew.

Dickerson’s father and wife spoke in his behalf, and Dickerson, too, apologized to the Sommervold family. “Nobody wanted to see Josh get killed that night,” he said.

Martinez said Works got the shorter term because of his clean criminal record, while Dickerson has a history of drug offenses and attempted robbery.

Bryant Sherman, 19, believed to be the shooter, is slated to stand trial next month.

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A workmen spreads an ice melting agent on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, in Philadelphia, Monday, March 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) Photo by AP

Matt Rourke