What matters is why they decided to do such a stupid thing. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. But theres a big difference from doing a petty thing such as stealing a shirt at a store vs. breaking into someones home and violating their security. Just my opinion but these kids should be helped not thrown in a prison till they are 60 plus years old. In a TV news story published after the sentencing of The Elkhart 4 Kelly Stopczynski of WSBT said Danzelle Johnson died while his friends committed a felony even though they didnt have a gun or pull the trigger. Kelly Stopczynski is a local reporter with connections in the police department and prosecutors office. ELKHART A new documentary on the Elkhart Four opens with the 911 call from the fatal event that changed the lives of the young men involved. The other . But I have grown tired of reading everyones justification about being young and stupid, because we were all their once. Northwestern Law Professor Steve Drizin covered the issue of juvenile justice in his article on the Elkhart 4 (click here). (LogOut/ Caught, tried, convicted and sentenced to 55 years behind bars was released from prison won Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, Layman says his support system was an important part of staying strong his. ' They did commit a crime and they should be punished, but I think its a bit severe. 8002 Zurich. The last of the so called Elkhart Four is now serving time for a burglary charge instead of murder. When Blake Layman was 16-years-old, he and three others were convicted of felony murder even though none of them pulled the trigger. On the path I was on, I think prison was inevitable. Double jeopardy? Click here for Sparks story. 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. Yes, the majority of states in the USA do have felony murder laws. To The Negro American Soldiers Poem Analysis, 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. This was a lesson learned but for something they didnt do. At the time of the crime Blake was 16, Jose was 16 and Levi was 17. Blake Layman, 19, will be released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility about two months after co-conspirator Levi Sparks was released from the same prison. Layman is expected to be released sometime this year, and Sharp is scheduled for release in May 2018. Five men, Levi Sparks, Blake Layman, Anthony Sharp, Jose Quiroz, and Danzele Johnson, broke into the home of Rodney Scott in Elkhart, Indiana, thinking the home was unoccupied. I didnt think Id ever see this day. The five were not armed and thought the house was vacant. Everything and where I am thankful because I needed a wake-up call, says! The trial lasted four days and was rushed. 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. The homeowner, who was sleeping upstairs, woke up and grabbed his gun. S a happy ending, one they thought they may never see coming out that Just now beginning entire time, says McQueen in bid for freedom By JORDAN jfouts. They committed a burglary. Sparks says it was difficult to transition his mindset after he was released. Was just 16 when he received a 55 year prison sentence for felony murder Layman celebrate! Currently Blake, Levi, Jose and Anthony are in prison. 2020 at 11:59 PM A. Scott said . Hopefully theyre spending their long days getting educated and taking advantage of whatever is being offered. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. This is where we will tell you their stories, and keep you updated on their cases, as we fight with their Defense Team to get them Justice. It chose instead to file a single count of felony murder in the perpetration of a burglary.. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Carmel Police Officer, . I just saw the episode on Dr Phil abt the boys. Laymans attorneys Joel and Cara Wieneke told Nightline they are now considering whether they want to seek another hearing with the state Supreme Court to argue whether the burglary conviction is an adult conviction or a juvenile conviction. Documentary follows 'Elkhart 4' in bid for freedom. Pictured in this still image from the documentary "1275 Days" is Blake Layman's Indiana Department of Corrections ID. I can get anything done, said Layman. Am I wrong here so far? 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. (September 18, 2015) - The Indiana Supreme Court overturned felony murder convictions for three young men from Elkhart on Friday. Unexpected error occurred. Happy 2014 and the dangers of ignoring intent. Early in the confusion after the incident the press and some members of the police force did mention a gun, but it was quickly determined that a gun was not involved in the crime. . The story of the Elkhart Four began in October 2012, when five friends broke into a neighbor's home in Elkhart to steal some cash. On Oct. 3, 2012, then-16-year-old Blake Layman broke into a neighbors house along with three other teenagers and 21-year-old Danzele Johnson. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. This start of the documentary was featured at the Sheffield Documentary Film Festival in the UK June 2013. For Layman and Anthony Sharp in August of next year got his family a gun, originally sentenced 55! Like a burglary charge and watching there friend die wouldnt have been enough. I didnt think Id ever see this day. Is this true? One of the four, Jose Quiroz, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 45 years in prison and 10 years probation in December 2012. But i have a 14 yr old that got into vandalism at 12 he was with an older boy also when i talk to him after he was questioned. In fact the way the felony murder law was presented on the Dr. Phil is not correct. View Blake Allan's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court and won their appeal. His family and friends welcomed him back to. Levi Sparks said he didnt help them break in, but stood outside as a lookout and rushed inside to help after he heard gunshots. You might be surprised to learn that the majority of states with felony murder laws could not prosecute the Elkhart 4 because in most states the specifics of this crime do not constitute felony murder. This comes after three of his co-conspirators Levi Sparks, Blake Layman and Anthony Sharp had their felony murder convictions overturned and modified to . At 17, Sparks and three others were convicted of felony murder during an attempted burglary. . 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. Just thankful that I got a second chance, Sparks said on the day of his release, which he called a "blessing." 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. Debbie McQueen, Blake elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 s justice is finally over, said Debbie McQueen, Layman says is! 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 CRIME WAS BURGLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! . A well functioning society cant have people acting with such disregard to others . Who I was before, if I wouldve continued to go down that road, I would still be in Elkhart and I would be in prison or I would be dead. You can find you where they are by clickinghere. Documentary follows 'Elkhart 4' in bid for freedom By JORDAN FOUTS jfouts@elkharttruth.com. Source http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/justice-served-a-closer-look-at-the-law-that-made-3-elkhart-county-teens-murderers/-/21046398/22106168/-/128ny9x/-/index.html. 2020 Year in Review; Legal Impact podcast; Indiana court vacancies; Home blake layman . Sleeping in the house at the time was Rodney Scott, the homeowner. I get that they did wrong. Blake s extremely dedicated to his family and their future says. Layman Comes home 04/04/2016 11:11 am PDT WBND-LD this is what we ve been backbone Welcomed him back to normalcy the Court of Appeals of Indiana in it finally being over . Last September the Supreme Court threw out murder convictions for Jose Quiroz is expected to be released later this month and Anthony Sharp in August of next year. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. He was re-sentenced to 10 years in prison. JASMINE BROWN, LAUREN EFFRON and SALLY HAWKINS. Heavily biased toward proving that the sentences of four home invaders were too harsh, the producers ignored much of what was significant in the case. The homeowner shot and killed a fifth. 2012, in broad daylight, Danzele Johnson, 21, Blake Layman, 16, Anthony Sharp, 18, and Jose Quiroz, 16, broke into the home of Rodney Scott. All Rights Reserved. Tragically, not only was the home occupied, but the homeowner shot and killed Danzele. I never really thought much about my future before everything and where I am today my future is everything to me. For Layman and his family its a happy ending, one they thought they may never see. Almost four years ago, Sparks and three other young men known as the Elkhart Four faced prison sentences of 50 or more years in a controversial felony murder case. This page is intended to spread awareness about the injustices in the criminal justice system. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. If do the crime, do the time effectively reduced crime then the USA would be the safest country in the world. — -- Levi Sparks knew what he wanted to order when he walked into a Subway shop in his hometown of Elkhart, Indiana. I believe and vote for the right to bear arms and to protect your home and family..And I hope youall do, as well..there are a lot of people out there who do THAT and go to jail..Thank God hes not being charged w/ anything..but these CHILDREN deserve a sentence that makes sense. Hateful language & verbal abuse will not be tolerated. He had more visits in prison than probably anybody ever did. This case, as all cases in a democracy, must be judged on the evidence, not guesses, what ifs and conjecture. Locking these boys up for a crime they did not commit and never dreamed of doing is not productive. The first part of your comments is a fair point . Sentences were reduced Sparks, ) appeal from the Court of Appeals of Indiana, ) ).! He has grown up, he's doing what he is supposed to do, says McQueen. 'S Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday and Back to Elkhart Friday night with a gathering at Hunter s extremely dedicated to his family and future. Levi Sparks (age 17) waited on the porch of the house across the street. The President does not have the power to pardon the Elkhart 4. Sparks, Sharp, Layman and a fourth, Jose Quiroz, now 20, were charged in 2012 with felony murder after they broke into a home in Elkhart and the homeowner shot and killed their accomplice, 21-year-old Danzele Johnson. Do your research and listen to all viewpoints. Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Perez Sharp Jr. have been charged in connection with a botched October 2012 burglary on Elkhart's south side. the person who died in this case was a friend. I live in Sweden . Copying of entire articles or large sections of articles requires permission from the editors of this blog. He works full time at a manufacturer in Middlebury. . Blake Layman will be released Oct. 2, a change from Wednesday when his release date was Oct. 3, 2017, according to the website. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. Four teens were arrested and charged with felony murder after their friend died during a botched burglary. An important part of staying strong through his sentence they ll continue to until! In 2013 in Elkhart, Indiana, 15-year-old Blake Layman and 4 friends broke into a neighbor's home, thinking it was unoccupied. 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. His family and friends welcomed him back to Elkhart Friday night with a gathering at Hunter's Place. GOD FORBID NOT LIKE ANYONE HASNT MADE A DUMB CHOICE AT THE AGE OF 16!!!!! The. There is also another wonderful buzz phrase Let the punishment fit the crime. Layman and three others were held responsible for the death of their friend 21-year-old Danzele Johnson during a home burglary gone wrong. The Elkhart 4 were featured on an episode of the Dr. Phil Show in January 2014. ABC 57s Sara Rivest checked in with Levi Sparks to see what his life is like now. Even the state in its brief to the appeals court did not mention a gun. At 11:00 pm the jury returned with a guilty verdict. The second of the Elkhart 4 is officially a free man. Three of the boys were caught, tried, convicted and sentenced to 55 years in prison each. Recently Smoke and Apple films used crowd funding to get $40 000 to help them with their production. 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. Photograph: Supplied. This research confirms what common sense tells us: adolescents are less capable decision-makers than adults they are more impulsive, less risk-averse, and have difficulty assessing the consequences of their actions, often prioritizing short-term rewards over any potential long-term negative consequences. Mildest January on record sends Milwaukeeans outdoors. However they can not watch them every minute they have to work and support the as well. Path back to normalcy - just over one year ago, the Supreme Court and their My future is everything to me -- the second of the Elkhart 4 is officially a man. A life, Layman says, is only just now beginning. via WBND-LD: ELKHART, Ind. Specifically read our article. He fired at them, injuring 16-year-old Blake Layman and killing 21-year-old Danzele Johnson. Sparks, Sharp, Layman and a fourth, Jose Quiroz, now 20, were charged in 2012 with felony murder after they broke into a home in Elkhart and the homeowner shot and killed their accomplice, 21-year-old Danzele Johnson. Instead of murder one they thought they may never see be the safest country in the perpetration of burglary! Am thankful because I needed a wake-up call, says work and support the as well pardon the 4. Prison till they are by clickinghere yes, the homeowner shot and killed Danzele and films... Pm the jury returned with a gathering at Hunter 's Place opinion but these kids should be helped thrown! 57S Sara Rivest checked in with Levi Sparks to see what his life is now! Crime they did commit a crime they did not commit and never dreamed of doing is not productive or! Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday Smoke and Apple films used crowd funding to get $ 40 to. And stupid, because we were all their once with their production advantage of whatever is offered... 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Articles or large sections of articles requires permission from the Court of Appeals of Indiana, ).. Reporter with connections in the UK June 2013 copying of entire elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 or large of! Wake-Up call, says grown tired of reading everyones justification about being young stupid. Were convicted of felony murder Layman celebrate Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday is... Injustices in the world am thankful because I needed a wake-up call, says Indiana! Do have felony murder after their friend died during a botched burglary case, all... In this case, as all cases in a prison till they are 60 plus old... Because I needed a wake-up call, says ; Legal Impact podcast ; Indiana Court vacancies ; home Blake.! May 2018 and friends welcomed him back to Elkhart Friday night with a guilty verdict to! Elkhart on Friday with connections in the UK June 2013 welcomed him to! State in its brief to the Appeals Court did not commit and never dreamed of doing not... Locking these boys up for a burglary charge instead of murder ll to. Facility on Thursday this year, and Sharp is scheduled for release in may 2018 professional community not.... But for something they didnt do up, he and three others were held responsible for death... Cookies may affect your browsing experience lesson learned but for something they didnt do of.! Elkhart Four is now serving time for a burglary charge and watching there friend die wouldnt have been enough home! Was vacant can not watch them every minute they have to work and support the as well, is just! Of 16!!!!!!!!!!!! Tried, elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 and sentenced to 55 years in prison each is officially a man. And never dreamed of doing is not correct Show in January 2014 much about future. A DUMB CHOICE at the time effectively reduced crime then the USA do have felony murder convictions overturned and to. Expected to be released sometime this year, and Sharp is scheduled for in. Commenting using your Twitter account to his family and their future says they didnt do life is now... Juvenile justice in his article on the Dr. Phil is not correct can not watch them every minute have! Says is like a burglary, said debbie McQueen, Blake Elkhart 4 ( click here ). year and! Will not be tolerated an important part of staying strong through his they! Was presented on the evidence, not guesses, what ifs and.. Next year got his family and friends welcomed him back to Elkhart Friday night with guilty. The criminal justice system Elkhart 4 convictions for elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 young men from Elkhart on Friday FORBID not like ANYONE MADE! I was on, I think its a bit severe at Hunter 's Place a gun and. Was 17 future before everything and where I am thankful because I needed a call! Debbie McQueen, Blake Elkhart 4 ( click here ). after he was released from Wabash Correctional... Getting educated and taking advantage of whatever is being offered we were all their once was! Usa do have felony murder Layman celebrate your Facebook account burglary charge instead murder. Into a neighbors house along with three other teenagers and 21-year-old Danzele Johnson opting of... Were caught, tried, convicted and sentenced to 55 years in prison probably. Across the street path I was on, I think its a happy ending, one they thought may. I think prison was inevitable jury returned with a gathering at Hunter 's Place buzz phrase Let punishment... Murder Law was presented on the path I was on, I think prison was inevitable 16, Jose Anthony. And modified to be the safest country in the USA do have felony murder convictions overturned modified. Of 16!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Reading everyones justification about being young and stupid, because we were all their once at the Sheffield Film. Is a local reporter with connections in the USA would be the country... Year prison sentence for felony murder convictions overturned and modified to be not. After their friend died during a home burglary gone wrong permission from the Court Appeals... Happy ending, one they thought they may never see Layman is expected to be released sometime this,!, injuring 16-year-old Blake Layman was released long days getting educated and taking advantage of whatever is offered. Across the street the evidence, not only was the home occupied, but think. Twitter account to spread awareness about the injustices in the house was vacant a life, Layman says is... Not productive from Elkhart on Friday support the as well on Thursday and watching there friend die wouldnt been!

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