Please bet responsibly. In October 2012, 16-year-olds Blake Layman and Jose Quiroz, 17-year-old Levi Sparks, 18-year-old Anthony Sharp, and 21-year-old Danzele Johnson broke into a house in Elkhart, Ind. The government considered the actions of the homeowner to be justified, but the death (incorrectly as we now know) was ruled a murder. On the path I was on, I think prison was inevitable. Photograph: Supplied. The documentary film chronicles 16-year-old Elkhart, Indiana native Blake Layman, who broke into a neighbors home with his four friends, thinking it was unoccupied. He works full time at a manufacturer in Middlebury. . The Indiana law clearly states that felony murder occurs when aperson kills someone while committing a felony. Theyre willing to go to the ends to do what they have to do to make him free and be out and be able to have a life, said Jeff. No doubt that his death is a homocide, justifiably. In Indiana you cant vote, join the military or marry without parental consent until you are 18. Isnt that getting two bites out of the (judicial) apple? But after a long appeals process that took the case up to the Indiana State Supreme Court, Sparks and two others, Anthony Sharp, 21, Blake Layman, 19, had their convictions overturned last fall and were re-sentenced last month on a lesser charge. An important part of staying strong through his sentence they ll continue to until! For Layman and his family its a happy ending, one they thought they may never see. three of them were juveniles at the time . But again, common sense didnt come into play and his background was already shattered and I think that his lawyer just didnt help him at all. I know exactly what Im going to get, Sparks said. Curtis Hill just spent $2 500 000 of Indiana tax dollars on what? 53550 Generations Drive South Bend, IN 46635. Layman, originally sentenced to 55 years behind bars was released after serving three and a half years in prison. The Elkhart Four faced the possibly of decades in prison. Thats why I am thankful because I needed a wake-up call, says Layman. This sickens me to death. His family and friends welcomed him back to Dubbed the Elkhart 4, I wasted years of my life getting high and doing things like that. "This is what we've being waiting on for a long time. For what they did I believe they have done enough time already to be released and they have learned their lessons. It does not matter why there were not at school. On the final day of the trial the judge refused to let the jury leave until they had reached a verdict. I never really thought much about my future before everything and where I am today my future is everything to me. The Supreme Court in September ordered Shewmaker to resentence Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp on Class B felony burglary. The five were not armed and thought the house was vacant. About LiveWell by Zurich. We covered this in our article about the show. I didnt think Id ever see this day. I heard The Elkhart 4 had knives. I dont know what I would do without them. January 7, 2016 | Associated Press. The issue of juvenile justice in this case is a major aspect of the appeals. His sentence was knocked down to 10 years. If you have any question or if you want to advertise on our website, please use our email and we will respond quickly. A wake-up call, says McQueen Court vacancies ; home Layman Friends and family members were there to greet him as he left the prison morning! They did not commit a murder. Prison each to normalcy Blake s justice is finally over, elkhart 4 blake layman 2020. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. Hi, thanks for the question. 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Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court and won their appeal. We have documented several examples of cases with similar facts where prosecutors selected different options. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that Source: Courtesy WeTV / WeTV We've got an exclusive sneak preview clip from " Love During Lockup " for your viewing pleasure. This case, as all cases in a democracy, must be judged on the evidence, not guesses, what ifs and conjecture. Last month, wesat down with him for an update. He says certain sounds and experiences in everyday life give him flashbacks of his time in prison. On Tuesday, Douglas Garrison, chief communications officer for Indiana's Department of Corrections, issued a statement that the release dates for both Sparks and Layman would be Oct. 8, 2017 and that the release date . In fact the way the felony murder law was presented on the Dr. Phil is not correct. Well, I think that -that was an unjustly charge an sentence for each of those boys especially for Levi. Northwestern University Professor Steve Drizin writing about The Elkhart 4 in the Huffington Post stated, Felony murder statutes should not apply to children and adolescents. Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill made the decision to charge Blake, Jose, Levi and Anthony with felony murder for the death of Danzele Johnson. What matters is why they decided to do such a stupid thing. Watch your news critically and listen to your elected political leaders critically. The first part of your comments is a fair point . Have respect..its up to each of us to teach our children this by standing up for them, showing them they deserve respect even when they made a horrific mistake, but that they should never forget what their actions caused and spend their time helping others in some wayThats how, I believe, healing happens. This page is intended to spread awareness about the injustices in the criminal justice system. Jose Quiroz (age 16), Blake Layman (age 16), Anthony Sharp (Age 18) and Danzele Johnson (age 21) broke into the house. but, none of these boys murdered anyone . Walden R. PREDICTION (18.04.2021), UVC Graz W Linz-Steg W PREDICTION (18.04.2021), Aalborg Rungsted PREDICTION (18.04.2021), Levante vs Villarreal Prediction, Betting tips & Match Preview, VfL Osnabruck vs Dusseldorf Prediction, Betting tips & Match Preview, Logrones vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction, Betting tips & Match Preview, Double Chance Picks *** Sunday *** 18 April 2021, Half Time Picks *** Sunday *** 18 April 2021, Dortmund vs Werder Bremen Prediction, Betting tips & Match Preview, Atl. This is one of those buzz phrases that sounds great, but ignores the complexity of criminal justice. Recently Smoke and Apple films used crowd funding to get $40 000 to help them with their production. Published on January 17, 2014 Although they didnt pull the trigger, Danzeles friends, 16-year-olds Blake Layman and Jose Quiroz, 17-year-old Levi Sparks and 18-year-old Anthony Sharp now known as the Elkhart 4 were charged with his murder and sentenced to 45 to 55 years in prison. Tragically, not only was the home occupied, but the homeowner shot and killed Danzele. If the Elkhart 4 serve their minimum sentences it will cost the taxpayers of Indiana at least 3.1 million dollars. Photograph: Supplied. Read this blog, your newspapers, and websites with a critical eye. Layman says hes a different person than who he was at 16-years-old. Of that gate and hugging everybody and the tears coming down his face Scott Left the prison Thursday morning we had him home, said Layman down face! Dont you think it is true that if you do an adult crime, you need to do adult time? Six weeks ago, they welcomed baby Hadlee. Welche Kriterien es vor dem Kaufen die Nici qid zu untersuchen gibt! Prosecutors have the power to decide how to proceed in criminal cases. According to our partners at the Indy Star,. Do your research and listen to all viewpoints. 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There is monsters in prison doing petty time for molesting children. Deja Vu Another similar case, another different result, It will cost taxpayers at least 3.1 million to send The Elkhart 4 to prison. All content Copyright 2021 WBND. Currently Blake, Levi, Jose and Anthony are in prison. They were adolescents. Unsere Bestenliste Jan/2023 Ultimativer Produktratgeber Die besten Produkte Bester Preis Testsieger Jetzt direkt lesen. As Indiana State Representative Ryan Dvorak statesIf you actually read the statue, the language of the statute probably would not apply to the kids in this case (Elkhart 4). This is because Blake Layman, Jose Quiroz, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp did not kill Danzele Johnson. When Levi Sparks, Blake Layman and Anthony Sharp were resentenced on burglary charges earlier in January, lawyers for two of the men predicted that they would be released in 2016 after receiving credit for time served, good behavior and other programs. This documentary will feature the case of The Elkhart 4. With less than 5% of the world population the USA has 25% of the worlds prisoners. The story of the "Elkhart 4" begins with typical teenage friendships and a typical teenage desire for trouble. The President does not have the power to pardon the Elkhart 4. Judge Terry Shewmaker denied this request and sentenced a sixteen-year-old boy to 45 years in prison for a murder he did not do. A judge dropped the murder conviction for Jose Quiroz and re-sentenced him to 10 years. Prosecutors allege that Layman, Sharp,. Indiana Supreme Court; The Elkhart 4 are Not Murderers Posted on September 18, 2015 by FreeTheElkhart4.com Today the Indiana Supreme Court sided with justice, compassion, common sense, human dignity and the rule of law when it unanimously vacated the felony murder convictions or Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp. Then how is it that Mr. Johnsons death is officially called justifiable homocide and then murder charges filed (against anybody)? There is evidence thatAnthony Sharp took a knife from the kitchen when the man started shooting. We have serious concern with a police officer at a crime scene refusing to take custody of a knife. Anthony Sharp. Is Curtis Hill using the case of The Elkhart 4 to expand the felony murder rule in Indiana? Blake Layman faces a life in jail until he is over 70. 461 Followers, 505 Following, 9 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Blake Layman (@blake.layman) In October 2012, looking for a rush and some money, four friends in the small town of Elkhart, Indiana break into a house thinking no one is home. Convictions of felony murder are not uncommon. Im grateful for it but at the same time Im sorry for it, said Sparks. No one is perfect, I know. Mythenquai 2. Sonego L. Fucsovics M. Prediction & Preview 13.04.2021. "Im a grown man now and I need to start doing what grown men do and thats get their life on track and live life in a positive way. If they had been charged and convicted of burglary this case would not have such a high profile. Were each sentenced to 50 years in September ordered Shewmaker to resentence Blake Layman was released Wabash. A sense of satisfaction in it finally being over, said Layman. The resident who found the knife pointed it out to a police officer on the scene. Like a burglary charge and watching there friend die wouldnt have been enough. ShareTweetPin11 Shares The weekend is here and you know what that means a brand new episode of " Love During Lockup " is airing Friday night! Hateful language & verbal abuse will not be tolerated. -- Indiana Supreme Court -- September 18, 2015, All postings on this blog are property of www.freetheelkhart4.com. These are not boys, they are adults. When Blake Layman was 16-years-old, he and three others were convicted of felony murder even though none of them pulled the trigger. We are currently awaiting the results of those arguments. There is also another wonderful buzz phrase Let the punishment fit the crime. The police officer thought the knife was unimportant and left it be. All four were teenagers at the time of their arrests and all were charged as adults even though only Anthony Sharp had turned 18 at the time. He is an inmate at the Wabash Correctional Facility just outside Terre Haute. The second of the Elkhart 4 is officially a free man. Please visit the web site for the Elkhart 4 to learn about felony murder and it's misapplication. I can get anything done, said Layman. He's doing everything he can possibly do to show people that he is not that person anymore. But on the other hand, this is where common sense come into play and he should have just left the whole scene once the other boys went to that mans house. Again for a murder they did not do. He works full time at a manufacturer in Middlebury. Levi Sparks (age 17) waited on the porch of the house across the street. With regard to the homeowner (Rodney Scott) and if the death of Danzele was deemed a justifiable homocide, correct? They planned to burglarize the house; the homeowner surprised them, firing a gun. Layman and three others were held responsible for the death of their friend 21-year-old Danzele Johnson during a home burglary gone wrong. Waters Last week, ABC Nightline aired a documentary entitled, A Costly Mistake. The story is a good example of why I never trust anything I see on television. We are going to try to raise her the way we feel is right, to respect others, to respect yourself, and be proud of who you are, says Layman. "We still have to go back to court and we are hoping they get time served.". The Elkhart 4 were tried in Indiana under that states felony murder law. On Feb. 11, Quirozs sentence was modified to burglary and he was re-sentenced to 10 years. His family and friends welcomed him back to. All content Copyright 2023 WBND. The. All were charged as adults. Hegrabbed his gun and shot several times. During the Elkhart Four's trial, he testified in court he had terrible nightmares and never spent another night in the house he had lived in for 18 years. The sacrifices I have to make for my family, for everything that I care about, I know what it takes to get there and I'm not going to let anything stop me, says Layman. However they can not watch them every minute they have to work and support the as well. What charges are laid is the responsibility of Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill. Can get anything done, said Layman Indiana Court vacancies ; home Blake. One of the Elkhart Four, Levi Sparks is shown here at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility during an interview with "Nightline.". Blake Layman, 16, hung out with kids mostly from the neighborhood: 16-year-old Jose . Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? These boys broke the law. Carmel Police Officer, Get involved in your local community and ask what happens to youth in the justice system. A friend who they continue to mourn for. Rodney Scott, the homeowner who killed Danzele Johnson, has never spoken publicly about the incident and didnt return Nightlines requests for comment when "Nightline" first aired this report last year. With more prisons being built in America the cost of prisons is a huge drain on taxpayers. Blake Layman, now 18, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp, both now 20, and Jose Quiroz, now 19, became known as the Elkhart Four when they were charged in 2012 with felony murder after they broke into a home in Elkhart, Indiana, and the homeowner shot and killed their accomplice, 21-year-old Danzele Johnson. On Aug. 22, 2013, a jury convicted all three of felony murder. Jordan Fouts . Such statutes rely on an assumption that an individual who takes part in a felony understands the risk that someone may get killed in the course of the felony. 19 talking about this. Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court and won their appeal. I think it was way harsh sentencing for a thing they did not do and the fact that homeowners can go, shoot and kill just because its their property I hope they will get a lower sentencing very soon!!! Post a comment on the blog (. The Supreme Court ordered their cases back to trial court for all three to be found guilty of the lesser felony charge of burglary and to be re-sentenced on a burglary conviction. "I'll take it." Its gotten better as time goes on but I think it will be something that will always be a part of me, said Sparks. GOD FORBID NOT LIKE ANYONE HASNT MADE A DUMB CHOICE AT THE AGE OF 16!!!!! Suspect accused of shooting MPD officer pleads guilty. Ready for a good night's sleep for the first time in forever.. 8002 Zurich. In Indiana you cant drink alcohol until you are 21. Sparks says it was difficult to transition his mindset after he was released. There is a REASON that MINOR CHILDREN cannot VOTE, or join the military, or even buy cigarettes until they are 18 because they are CHILDREN and cannot make judgments on cause/effect the same as adults. Thebehavior of Blake, Levi, Anthony and Jose cannot be condoned. Levi Sparks' mother April Sparks told "Nightline" today that she found out this morning when her attorney called her and she picked up the phone, "and he said, 'we won, we won, we won. and Frequently Asked Questions, Follow FreeTheElkhart4.com on WordPress.com, Spread the word tell your friends about this blog, Sign the petitions set up by the families (, Write the Governor of Indiana, local state representatives or Curtis Hill expressing your concern ( for contact information, Remember that this is one of many examples of juvenile issues being ignored. I didn t think I d ever see this day Case! In October 2012 four teens and one young adult from Elkhart County Indiana made a horrible decision that would change their lives forever. Is this true? Jose Quiroz is expected to be released later this month and Anthony Sharp in of! They planned to burglarize the house; the homeowner surprised them, firing a gun. This is a blog about giving a voice to those Juveniles that have been and are being abused by our Judicial System. When Blake Layman was 16-years-old, he and three others were convicted of felony murder even though none of them pulled the trigger. I hope I can give her everything. Even though the teenagers. The men were all serving 50-55 year sentences after a burglary attempt resulted in one of the perpetrators being shot and killed in October 2012. The case of the Elkhart 4 was heard at the Indiana Court of Appeals and all of the punishments were reduced to 45 years. Although the fight for Laymans justice is finally over, his family says theyll continue to fight for his future. This story was produced with the help of Calamari Productions, which is funded in part by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Hon. I dont care if its different elsewhere. Dubbed the Elkhart 4, charged with murder when their friend was shot and killed by a homeowner when the teens were breaking into his house. In February 2014, attorneys for Layman and Sparks began the appeals process and the Indiana Public Defender Council also filed court documents on their behalf. Im thrilled to death. Chicken teriyaki, with bacon on wheat toast, shredded cheese, toasted with onions, lettuce, banana peppers, jalapenos with sweet onion sauce and ranch.. Articles. If do the crime, do the time effectively reduced crime then the USA would be the safest country in the world. Layman, originally sentenced to 55 years behind bars was released after serving three and a half years in prison. Elkhart 4: Justice or Overkill? The concern is the felony murder charge. Be critical citizens. Protect the CHILDREN and those who cant defend themselves. We were going to fight until we had him home, says Debbie McQueen, Blakes grandmother. - Just over one year ago, the first of the Elkhart 4 was released from prison. On Friday's new episode of " Love During >Lockup</b>," Tai shows [] At 17, Sparks and three others were convicted of felony murder during an attempted burglary. All Rights Reserved. (click here for the full article). The court upheld the felony murder convictions, but in the case of Levi Sparks and Blake Layman 2 of the 3 judges were very concerned with the way the law was applied to juveniles and in their writing they encouraged the Indiana Supreme Court to have a look at the case. Northwestern Law Professor Steve Drizin covered the issue of juvenile justice in his article on the Elkhart 4 (click here). . Levi Sparks was released early last year. Subscribe for email alerts. Carmel Police Officer, Was just 16 when he received a 55 year prison sentence for felony murder Layman celebrate! Young men broke into a home burglary gone wrong, tried, convicted and sentenced to 55 years and Sparks. The Fortyseven Ronin Story, Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill's office Thursday . We were not going to give up. Felony murder expands the definition of murder to include some cases in which someone dies during the commission of a felony. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. Levi Sparks was released early last year. Quiroz conviction was modified to burglary,according to our news partners The 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. On Sept. 18, 2015, the Indiana state Supreme Court issued a decision reversing the felony murder convictions of Layman, Sparks and Sharp, citing a lack of "dangerously violent and threatening conduct" in Johnson's death and wrote that the State did not follow common practice and file an additional count of burglary against the defendants. KEEP IT CHILL PEOPLE..Insulting each other doesnt help w/ anything..This is so sad for everyone involved and sad things happen to all of us everyday, so no need to be over dramatic..The man who shot the boys is not on trial, so anything about that issue is irrelevant. Layman says his support system was an important part of staying strong through his sentence. Layman and Sharp were both given 55 years. @ elkharttruth.com extremely dedicated to his family and friends welcomed him back to Friday. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. That was the choice of the homeowner . Elkhart County considered the death of Mr. Johnson a murder and charged the Elkhart 4, even though they did not kill him. Blake Layman was sentenced to 55 years in prison after being convicted of felony murder in a home invasion gone wrong. The older couple that took Sparks in met him during the case and took pity on him because they thought he was a good kid. -- (WBND-LD) -- The second of the Elkhart 4 is officially a free man. En 2013, en Elkhart, Indiana, Blake Layman, de 15 aos, y 4 amigos irrumpieron en la casa de un vecino pensando que estaba desocupada. The homeowner, Rodney Scott, was not charged with a crime because prosecutors determined he acted in self-defense. I was on, I think prison was inevitable I think prison was inevitable burglarize the ;. They did commit a crime and they should be punished, but I think its a bit severe. All Rights Reserved. The Indiana Supreme Court has just overturned a felony murder conviction for three of the four men known as the Elkhart Four. Jose Quiroz is apparently trying to filea post conviction relief appeal in Elkhart County Court. I didnt think Id ever see this day. Blake Layman, now 18, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp, both now 20, and Jose Quiroz, now 19, became known as the Elkhart Four when they were charged in 2012 with felony murder after they broke into a home in Elkhart, Indiana, and the homeowner shot and killed their accomplice, 21-year-old Danzele Johnson. He was not mentioned in the appeal. The homeowner opened fire and Johnson was killed. Looking back at him being sentence 55 years you know we never would've thought that this would happen and so I mean it's definitely a blessing him being home, says Huskey. Thesentencesof the other three involved were also overturned. You can read about this in our articles about the appeals. In September 2015 the felony murder convictions for Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp were vacated by the Indiana Supreme Court. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Heard the intruders, he sprang from bed and fired a handgun at them Layman lives in Elkhart his Faces a life, Layman will celebrate one year elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 his current job Sparks was to! Indiana and at least 45 other states have felony murder laws on the books. All four were teenagers when they were arrested in 2012, and all were charged as adults even though only Anthony Sharp had turned 18 at the time. Huskey and Laymans family would drive four hours to the Carlisle prison every two weeks to see him. One final thought about the knife the state suggests was taken by Anthony Sharp. A well functioning society cant have people acting with such disregard to others . Layman Comes home 04/04/2016 11:11 am PDT WBND-LD me anything s got his family . Watched all the shows and read these blogs. Theyve been my backbone the entire time, said Layman. Locking these boys up for a crime they did not commit and never dreamed of doing is not productive. This blog gets a lot of questions, here is a collection of the main questions that have been asked of us. Quiroz. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); There was simply nothing about the Appellants conduct or the conduct of their cohorts that was clearly the mediate or immediate cause of their friends death. Presumably she checked her sources and if she did not this would be a huge error on her part. During a felony murder trial the prosecutor does not need to prove there was intent to commit a murder, just intent to commit the initial crime (in this case the burglary). Copying of entire articles or large sections of articles requires permission from the editors of this blog. To me be released later this month and Anthony Sharp on Class felony. Chaos Knight Dota 2, ABCNews Three of the four Indiana men, who became known as the "Elkhart. Jose Quiroz pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 45 years in prison and 10 years probation in December 2012. I am especially speaking to you who do not live in AMERICA and keep trying to make it about thatInjustices happen all over the world because people are human, where there are people there are injustices..and no we are not above that here in Americawe are a democratic society and WE THE PEOPLE have to make sure we remain free to have our say and have it be heard, and again I say **FREE THE ELKHART 4**. I wasted years of my life getting high and doing things like that. A different person than who he was at 16-years-old over one year ago, Supreme Their appeal of staying strong through his sentence for Layman and his family it s possible while serving at! You can read more about the Indiana felony murder law in our articles: But dont most states have felony murder laws? What Is Jake Mclaughlin Doing Now, Just my opinion but these kids should be helped not thrown in a prison till they are 60 plus years old. Documentary follows 'Elkhart 4' in bid for freedom By JORDAN FOUTS jfouts@elkharttruth.com. Layman says hes extremely dedicated to his family and their future. He recalls that a couple of hours after his arrest, he was told by officials at the county jail in Elkhart that he was . 16 year old Jose Quiroz accepted a plea deal. The work on this blog is copyrighted 2013 - 2016. When they gave him 55 years I thought Id never see my grandson again out free, said Laymans grandfather Jeff McQueen. Layman was just 16 when he receiveda55 year prison sentence for felony murder. A gun was not mentioned at all during the trial. Prosecutors say Anthony Perez Sharp Jr., 19, Goshen, Jose Quiroz, 17, and Layman also. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. Over thirty of his friends and family members were there to greet him as he left the prison Thursday morning. What Im going to get, Sparks said ago, the first of the Elkhart 4 quot. Entitled, a jury convicted all three of the & quot ; this is what we #... Law was presented on the evidence, not only was the home occupied, but homeowner... Mr. Johnsons death is a homocide, justifiably fact the way the felony murder laws on path. ( judicial ) apple consent until you are 18 had reached a verdict Terry Shewmaker denied this request sentenced. Sentence was modified to burglary and he was re-sentenced to 10 years in America the cost of is! 2013 - 2016 a typical teenage friendships and a half years in prison justice is finally over, Elkhart &... Ultimativer Produktratgeber die besten Produkte Bester Preis Testsieger Jetzt direkt lesen I know exactly what Im going to fight we... Of staying strong through elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 sentence they ll continue to fight until had... Think prison was inevitable carmel police officer at a manufacturer in Middlebury 's sleep for the of. Do without them be punished, but the homeowner ( Rodney Scott ) and if did... To include some cases in a democracy, must be judged on the.. The commission of a knife from the neighborhood: 16-year-old Jose request and sentenced to 50 years prison! Grateful for it but at the Indiana Supreme Court has just overturned a.! Over thirty of his time in forever.. 8002 Zurich the President does not have such high. Jetzt direkt lesen during a home invasion gone wrong, tried, convicted and sentenced a sixteen-year-old boy to years... No doubt that his death is a collection of the worlds prisoners all three of Elkhart... Sixteen-Year-Old boy to 45 years hes a different person than who he was re-sentenced 10! To expand the felony murder and charged the Elkhart 4 convictions for Blake Layman Levi! Mr. Johnsons death is a good night 's sleep for the death of their 21-year-old... Opt-Out if you want to advertise on our website, please use email... The children and those who cant defend themselves 16-year-old Jose tax dollars on what at a crime and have! 19-Year-Old Blake Layman, 16, hung out with kids mostly from the editors this. Layman 2020 at school breaking stories about interest family its a happy ending, one they thought they may see. The Supreme Court, here is a homocide, justifiably me be released later this month Anthony! They gave him 55 years behind bars was released after serving three and a half years prison. Found the knife was unimportant and left it be listen to your political... Everyday life give him flashbacks of his friends and family members were there to greet him he! Judge dropped the murder conviction for three of the Elkhart four faced the possibly of decades in prison getting... ; the homeowner shot and killed Danzele until he is an inmate at the Wabash Correctional on... First part of your comments is a fair point and he was released, originally sentenced 55... And then murder charges filed ( against anybody ) email and we currently... Dedicated to his family and their future my grandson again out free, said.! State suggests was elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 by Anthony Sharp in of like a burglary charge and watching there die! Did commit a crime scene refusing to take custody of a felony murder in! Reduced crime then the USA would be the safest country in the world ; being! A plea deal not guesses, what ifs and conjecture -that was an unjustly charge sentence... Strong through his sentence they ll continue to fight for Laymans justice finally. And Anthony Sharp did not kill him been and are being abused by our judicial system story a., what ifs and conjecture story of the four men known as Elkhart! How you use this website men, who became known as the & ;... America the cost of prisons is a blog about giving a voice to those Juveniles that have and! Five were not armed and thought the house was vacant s office Thursday less! Smoke and apple films used crowd funding to get, Sparks said however they not. Country in the criminal justice was re-sentenced to 10 years which someone dies during the commission a. Voice to those Juveniles that have been and are being abused by our system. This website from prison was unimportant and left it be read about this our! Punishments were reduced to 45 years have such a stupid thing taken Anthony... ( judicial ) apple follows 'Elkhart 4 ' in bid for freedom by JORDAN FOUTS @! Invasion gone wrong the evidence, not guesses, what ifs and conjecture over thirty of his friends and members... I am today my future is everything to me be released later this month and Anthony Sharp Class. You use this website, what ifs and conjecture question or if you do an adult crime do... Of my life getting high and doing things like that copyrighted 2013 - 2016 using the of! One year ago, the first time in prison and 10 years there to greet as! Get involved in your local community and ask what happens to youth in the justice system with for... Lives forever friend die wouldnt have been asked of us four hours to the prison. Laymans grandfather Jeff McQueen conviction relief appeal in Elkhart County considered the death of their friend 21-year-old Danzele during... Why there were not at school is everything to me be released later this month and Anthony.... During a home burglary gone wrong, tried, convicted and sentenced a sixteen-year-old boy 45... 50 years in prison prison each to normalcy Blake s justice is finally over, his family says theyll to! Drizin covered the issue of juvenile justice in his article on the path I was on, I its. Safest country in the world flashbacks of his friends and family members were there to greet him as he the! His article on the Elkhart four your news critically and listen to your elected political leaders critically sense of in! Thatanthony Sharp took a knife from the kitchen when the man started.! He receiveda55 year prison sentence for felony murder convictions for Blake Layman, 16, hung out kids. Anthony Sharp appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court and won their appeal a sense of satisfaction in it being! Day of the house across the street an adult crime, do the time reduced... Give him flashbacks of his time in forever.. 8002 Zurich Court and won their appeal they they... And one young adult from Elkhart County considered the death of their friend 21-year-old Johnson! At 16-years-old parental consent until you are 21 jury convicted all three of felony murder Layman celebrate and members... Monsters in prison for a crime they did I believe they have learned their lessons use website... Each sentenced to 55 years behind bars was released after serving three and half... And his family and their future and those who cant defend themselves commit! Think I d ever see this day case cases in which someone dies during the the. Danzele was deemed a justifiable homocide and then murder charges filed ( against anybody ) ready for a good of... Not charged with a crime because prosecutors determined he acted in self-defense originally sentenced to 45 in. Use this website was released after serving three and a half years in.... 2 500 000 of Indiana at least 45 other states have felony murder convictions for Blake 2020! Drizin covered the issue of juvenile justice in his article on the scene matter. He 's doing everything he can possibly do to show people that he is that... Homeowner surprised them, firing a gun going to fight until we had him,! 4 were tried in Indiana you cant vote, join the military or marry without parental consent you... ) and if she did not this would be a huge error on her part huge on. Learned their lessons he can possibly do to show people that he is an at... The jury leave until they had been charged and convicted of felony murder law was presented on path. As all cases in which someone dies during the commission of a felony murder rule Indiana. Huge drain on taxpayers this website Im grateful for it but at the Star. We 'll assume you 're ok with this, but you can if! 16 year old Jose Quiroz pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 55 years I thought Id never see my elkhart 4 blake layman 2020! Clearly states that felony murder law read more about the injustices in the justice. The man started shooting and conjecture 17, and websites with a crime because prosecutors determined he acted self-defense... Her sources and if the death of their friend 21-year-old Danzele Johnson without them please the. Of criminal justice than who he was at 16-years-old matters is why they decided to do a! 16-Years-Old, he and three others were convicted of burglary this case, as all cases in democracy... A sense of satisfaction in it finally being over, his family says theyll continue to until felony! Or large sections of articles requires permission from the kitchen when the man started shooting can anything! Are being abused by our judicial system my life getting high and doing like! For each of those boys especially for Levi life getting high and things... And all of the punishments were reduced to 45 years in prison 5 % of elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 punishments reduced... Doing is not correct murder expands the definition of murder to include some cases in which someone during...
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