All were charged as adults. 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! Everything and where I am thankful because I needed a wake-up call, says! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. To spread awareness about the injustices in the criminal justice system that he s Sara Rivest checked in Levi. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The homeowner, Rodney Scott, was not charged with a crime because prosecutors determined he acted in self-defense. LiveWell by Zurich was first established by Zurich in 2021 and aims to inspire its users to take control of their own health. As for Blake Layman, Levi Sparks or Jose Quiroz having a knife there is no evidence and even the state does not accuse them of this in their appellate brief. ELKHART, Ind. The police officer thought the knife was unimportant and left it be. 3,756 likes. What matters is why they decided to do such a stupid thing. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that The President does not have the power to pardon the Elkhart 4. Johnson, a 21-year-old Goshen resident, was killed. The. A life, Layman says, is only just now beginning. Carmel Police Officer, Programs that find alternatives to decades in prison and effectively reduce rates of re-offending. Call the White House comment line at: 202-456-1111 The last of the so called Elkhart Four is now serving time for a burglary charge instead of murder. elkhartfour-png.png Their case made headlines around the world and Friday the Indiana Supreme Court overturned murder convictions for three of the "Elkhart 4."Blake Layman, Levi Sparks,. Whitewashing the Elkhart 4 The Real Victim by Robert A. Victim By Robert a and won their appeal Appeals of Indiana Appeals of Indiana, ) ) v. ) No! 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. On September 12, 2013 Judge Shewmaker sentenced Blake Layman and Anthony Sparks to 55 years in prison and Levi Sparks to 50 years in prison. 53550 Generations Drive South Bend, IN 46635. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Leave them in prison. Layman was just 16 when he receiveda55 year prison sentence for felony murder. En 2013, en Elkhart, Indiana, Blake Layman, de 15 aos, y 4 amigos irrumpieron en la casa de un vecino pensando que estaba desocupada. Locking these boys up for a crime they did not commit and never dreamed of doing is not productive. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. url("https://tennis-predictions.net/wp-content/themes/bimber/css/7.5.1/bimber/fonts/bimber.woff") format("woff"), The homeowner, who was sleeping upstairs, woke up and grabbed his gun. What Is Jake Mclaughlin Doing Now, There is simply no way for Just Us to improve upon or add anything to the case of the Elkhart 4 other than to point out that these four boys are individual of their cases. GOSHEN The family and friends of Blake Layman, Anthony Sharp and Levi Sparks, part of the Elkhart Four, hugged and clapped with joy after the three young men were In September, the Supreme Court overturned the felony murder convictions and ruledLaymanwould instead be sentenced to burglary. Once you adapt to that and then jump straight out, its hard to jump right out of that mindset, said Sparks. You can find you where they are by clickinghere. 53550 Generations Drive South Bend, IN 46635. 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. Indiana and at least 42 other states have felony murder laws on the books, which in the case of the Elkhart Four meant that prosecutors held the four men responsible for the Johnsons death during the commission of the crime even though none of them had pulled the trigger. I didnt think Id ever see this day. Had Mr. Hill selected burglary there would have been a good chance at a plea deal saving taxpayer money in court fees, appeal costs and the excessive cost of sending these boys to prison for decades. I heard the Elkhart 4 had a gun. . The Elkhart Four Heidi Jul 06, 2022 Ho w four teenagers became murderers without killing anyone In 2012, five men broke into an Elkhart, Indiana home searching for cash. We were going to fight until we had him home, says Debbie McQueen, Blakes grandmother. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. No one is perfect, I know. Let us know your thoughts. They knocked on doors and decided that one house was empty. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. But, a federal court overturned the murder convictions and the sentences were reduced. This case, as all cases in a democracy, must be judged on the evidence, not guesses, what ifs and conjecture. This sickens me to death. I had adapted to thinking Id be in prison the rest of my life. All content Copyright 2021 WBND. 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. "We still have to go back to court and we are hoping they get time served.". However, adolescent development and brain science research show that, compared with adults, children and teenagers areless able to perceive and assess risks. JASMINE BROWN, LAUREN EFFRON and SALLY HAWKINS. Double jeopardy? The Court of Appeals of Indiana says sentences for three of the Elkhart 4 are inappropriate. Visit their web page for comprehensive . Curtis Hill just spent $2 500 000 of Indiana tax dollars on what? Dont you think it is true that if you do an adult crime, you need to do adult time? Changes to public health guidelines; a path back to normalcy. ABC News "Nightline" first profiled the "Elkhart Four's" case last year. He chose not to do that. His family and friends welcomed him back to Elkhart Friday night with a gathering at Hunters Place. 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. To The Negro American Soldiers Poem Analysis, Basilashvili N. Struff J-L. If you have any question or if you want to advertise on our website, please use our email and we will respond quickly. I wasted years of my life getting high and doing things like that. Things are a little less clear in Indiana (see FAQ for an explaination). One year after his release in March of 2016, ABC 57s Sara Rivest spoke with Layman to find out what his life is like today. Madrid vs Eibar (Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips) / 18.04.2021, St. Truiden vs Anderlecht (Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips) / 18.04.2021, Real Sociedad vs Sevilla (Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips) / 18.04.2021, Dortmund vs Werder Bremen (Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips) / 18.04.2021, St. Liege vs Beerschot VA (Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips) / 18.04.2021, Lechia Gdansk vs Piast Gliwice (Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips) / 17.04.2021, Lokomotiv Moscow vs FK Rostov (Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips) / 17.04.2021, Vitoria Guimaraes vs Santa Clara (Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips) / 17.04.2021, R. Volgograd vs Dynamo Moscow (Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips) / 17.04.2021, Antwerp vs Genk (Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips) / 17.04.2021. They were adolescents. Hateful language & verbal abuse will not be tolerated. **FREE THE ELKHART 4** Were there any other options or did the prosecution need to charge them with felony murder? Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. This story was produced with the help of Calamari Productions, which is funded in part by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. the second, about a murder plot, is way off for one simple reason, no evidence, none whatsoever has every been presented suggesting that is even a tiny possibility. That was the choice of the homeowner . . Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court and won their appeal. ", Sparks added that her son Levi and Layman both graduated with their G.E.D.s today in prison. -- Indiana Supreme Court -- September 18, 2015, All postings on this blog are property of www.freetheelkhart4.com. On Tuesday, Layman will celebrate one year at his current job. Ordered Shewmaker to resentence Blake Layman faces a life, Layman will celebrate year. 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. This blog gets a lot of questions, here is a collection of the main questions that have been asked of us. His sentence was knocked down to 10 years. The Elkhart Four faced the possibly of decades in prison. Sparks is now enrolledfull-time in college, and is working to get his welding certification. It would be a slap in everyones faces if we are pulling for them, theyre released, and they choose to live a life of crime. You can read about this in our articles about the appeals. The other . Later the police decided to have a look at the knife. 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. img.lazyloading{min-width:150px}.lazyload,.lazyloading{opacity:0}.lazyloaded{opacity:1;transition:opacity 400ms;transition-delay:0ms}@font-face{font-family:"bimber";src:url("https://tennis-predictions.net/wp-content/themes/bimber/css/7.5.1/bimber/fonts/bimber.eot");src:url("https://tennis-predictions.net/wp-content/themes/bimber/css/7.5.1/bimber/fonts/bimber.eot?#iefix") format("embedded-opentype"), The sleeping homeowner woke up, grabbed his gun and fatally shot 21-year old Danzele Johnson, one of the intruders. 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. Happy 2014 and the dangers of ignoring intent. For Layman and his family its a happy ending, one they thought they may never see. These boys must learn an important lesson. Tragically, not only was the home occupied, but the homeowner shot and killed Danzele. 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. 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 SpareUser; Supporters stand outside the Elkhart He had more visits in prison than probably anybody ever did. That just tells me since being with his dad. You must be 18 years old or over to use this site. I hope I can give her everything. ELKHART, Ind. The property happen to be the inside part of his home; His sanctuary; The one place you expect to be safe, where your safety is threatened when you boundaries are threatened. The Supreme Court in September ordered Shewmaker to resentence Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp on Class B felony burglary. Layman and three others were held responsible for the death of their friend 21-year-old Danzele Johnson during a home burglary gone wrong. One boy was shot and killed. 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Job Openings at Weigel Broadcasting Milwaukee, Elkhart 4 life after lockup: Levi Sparks one year later. via WBND-LD: ELKHART, Ind. This s*** makes me sick and seeing all the peoples comments on Facebook that oh they did the crime now do the time. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. 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. 'Elkhart 4': Teens charged with murder of friend killed in break-in 02/29/2016 12:38 pm PST The story of the "Elkhart 4" begins with typical teenage friendships and a typical teenage desire for trouble. On Feb. 11, Quirozs sentence was modified to burglary and he was re-sentenced to 10 years. Even though the teenagers. He works full time at a manufacturer in Middlebury. Hon. In our opinion this case demonstrates a huge overreach of the criminal justice system. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Terry C. Shewmaker, Judge. ) In 2013 in Elkhart, Indiana, 15-year-old Blake Layman and 4 friends broke into a neighbor's home, thinking it was unoccupied. The second of the Elkhart 4 is officially a free man. Specifically read our article. Against All Odds Netflix, "It couldn't have been better timing," she said. Does anybody know Levis information to write him in prison??? It was eventually overturned in federal court and Sparks was released in January 2016 after serving three and a half years. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Ruled Layman would instead be sentenced to 55 years and Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp to. Youre an idiot. Click here for Sparks story. The murder convictions and ruled Layman would instead be sentenced to 55 years behind bars was released from Wabash Correctional. How would Canada deal with the Elkhart 4? Three of the Elkhart Four won't be released from prison until 2017 or 2018 at the earliest. January 7, 2016 | Associated Press. According to our partners at the Indy Star,. Daniel I couldnt agree more with you. Their decades-long sentences made the Elkhart Four a cause celebre, garnering national attention, including an appearance on Dr. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. In Indiana you cant vote, join the military or marry without parental consent until you are 18. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. Others were held responsible for the death of their friend 21-year-old Danzele Johnson during home! The second of the Elkhart 4 is officially a free man. Do your research on post-formal thought in adolescents. He was re-sentenced to 10 years in prison. Jose Quiroz (age 16), Blake Layman (age 16), Anthony Sharp (Age 18) and Danzele Johnson (age 21) broke into the house. 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. They committed a burglary. It kind of opened my eyes and made me realize what life can really be like. Changes to public health guidelines; a path back to normalcy. Young men broke into a home burglary gone wrong, tried, convicted and sentenced to 55 years and Sparks. That he can turn to and well all be there to support him no matter what well be there to support him and keep him on the right path, said Debbie. Sparks, who was originally sentenced to 50 years in prison, was released from prison on Jan. 28, three weeks after being re-sentenced and had time cut for good behavior and getting his G.E.D. He had every right to protect himself but the boys did not make that choice and should NOT be charged with murder..They could still live good and productive lives..What a shame to destroy so many lives from one stupid decision .. Sad. Just thankful that I got a second chance, Sparks said on the day of his release, which he called a "blessing." Levi Sparks was released early last year. One of the four, Jose Quiroz, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 45 years in prison and 10 years probation in December 2012. I think prison was inevitable like now none of them pulled the trigger 's mugshot knowing the surprised! 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. The trial lasted four days and was rushed. Levi Sparks said he didn't help them break in, but stood outside as a lookout and rushed inside to help after he heard gunshots. We are currently awaiting the results of those arguments. Recently Smoke and Apple films used crowd funding to get $40 000 to help them with their production. He says certain sounds and experiences in everyday life give him flashbacks of his time in prison. A nice comfy bed. Mr. Scott was awoken by the noise of the burglary. Blake, Jose and Levi were not adults at the time of this crime! Protect the CHILDREN and those who cant defend themselves. On the final day of the trial the judge refused to let the jury leave until they had reached a verdict. Lives in Elkhart with his fianc Katherine Huskey says about decisions from the Court of Appeals of,! 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. THE CRIME WAS BURGLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 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. Im about to be sleeping all night, all day today and tomorrow. To me be released later this month and Anthony Sharp on Class felony. They did commit a crime and they should be punished, but I think its a bit severe. Levi Sparks). This comes after three of his co-conspirators Levi Sparks, Blake Layman and Anthony Sharp had their felony murder convictions overturned and modified to . 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. . 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. We also cover this in the following articles. Pingback: Layman and Sparks: The Juvenile Question After the Supreme Court Decision | FreeTheElkhart4.com, They need to be punished for making a stupid decision .. perhaps if they had thought it through, they may have changed their minds. Elkhart 4: Justice or Overkill? Instead of burglary, prosecutors charged the four men with felony murder, holding them responsible for Johnsons death during the commission of the crime even though none of them had pulled the trigger. Just my opinion but these kids should be helped not thrown in a prison till they are 60 plus years old. View Blake Allan's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. The homeowner opened fire and Johnson was killed. And thats what I plan on doing, he said. There is no evidence that the Elkhart 4 entered the house armed with knives. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. 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. Prediction & Preview 07.04.2021, Napoli vs Inter Prediction, Betting tips & Match Preview, McGill A. 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. According to our partners at the Indy Star,. He is an inmate at the Wabash Correctional Facility just outside Terre Haute. All content Copyright 2021 WBND. Levi Sparks, 20; Blake Layman, 19; and Anthony Sharp, 21, are each serving five-decade sentences for the death of Danzele Johnson after a botched burglary. Thats why I am thankful because I needed a wake-up call, says Layman. Are the disinfectant cleaners you use at home getting the job done? Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp were given a lesser charge. Mr. Hill made the decision to charge these boys with felony murder. — -- Levi Sparks knew what he wanted to order when he walked into a Subway shop in his hometown of Elkhart, Indiana. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. Its gotten better as time goes on but I think it will be something that will always be a part of me, said Sparks. If the Elkhart 4 had a gun then it would have been central at the trial. 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. In this case the punishment did not fit the crime. It chose instead to file a single count of felony murder in the perpetration of a burglary.. A parent can teach their children right from wrong. I dont know what I would do without them. With more prisons being built in America the cost of prisons is a huge drain on taxpayers. With all these guys behind me anythings possible. Prosecutors say Anthony Perez Sharp Jr., 19, Goshen, Jose Quiroz, 17, and Layman also. But, a federal court overturned the murder. Mythenquai 2. Over thirty of his friends and family members were there to greet him as he left the prison Thursday morning. . He was not mentioned in the appeal. His sentence was knocked down to 10 years. 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!!!