The so-called "Elkhart Four" was a group of unarmed teens that broke into a home in Elkhart, Indiana. Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and the rest of the Elkhart Four were charged with felony murder in the death of Danzele Johnson, pictured here, even though none of them pulled the trigger. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? On the path I was on, I think prison was inevitable. This documentary will feature the case of The Elkhart 4. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. I would love to write him.. All the necessary links are here http://freetheelkhart4.com/links/. Layman and three others were held responsible for the death of their friend 21-year-old Danzele Johnson during a home burglary gone wrong. 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. With all these guys behind me anythings possible. All content Copyright 2023 WDJT. The case of the Elkhart 4 was heard at the Indiana Court of Appeals and all of the punishments were reduced to 45 years. Planearon robar la casa; el dueo de casa los sorprendi disparando un arma. 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. Am I wrong here so far? The first part of your comments is a fair point . 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. 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. These boys broke the law. 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. 53550 Generations Drive South Bend, IN 46635. One boy was shot and killed. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. As the family of 16-year-old Blake Layman, who is facing the charge of felony murder and was himself wounded by one of the gunshots, we are asking that some common sense and reason be applied in this situation. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. For freedom By JORDAN FOUTS jfouts @ elkharttruth.com at 16-years-old serving time at a manufacturer in.! (click here for the full article). Double dipping? 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 in 2014. td{padding:0!important}.vip-table-content .selectat tr td:first-child{grid-row-start:1;grid-row-end:3}.vip-table-content .selectat tr td:nth-child(2){grid-row-start:1;grid-row-end:3}.vip-table-content .selectat tr td:nth-child(3){grid-row-start:1;grid-row-end:3}.vip-table-content .selectat tr td:nth-child(4){grid-row-start:1;grid-row-end:2}.vip-table-content .selectat tr td:nth-child(5){grid-row-start:2;grid-row-end:3}}.wpb_animate_when_almost_visible{opacity:1}.rll-youtube-player,[data-lazy-src]{display:none !important}. 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. Originally sentenced to 55 years and Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp appealed to the Carlisle prison every weeks To resentence Blake Layman and three others were held responsible for the death of their friend 21-year-old Johnson! Responding to our readers a closer look at crime in Canada and the USA, 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, http://www.wndu.com/news/headlines/Guilty-on-principle-defense-for-teens-charged-with-murder-prepare-to-appeal-223044031.html?ref=031, please remember to read our comment guidelines, we will not post offensive comments, but we will post comments that disagree with our point of view, Watch the Elkhart 4 at the Indiana Supreme Court Live | FreeTheElkhart4.com, Layman and Sparks: The Juvenile Question After the Supreme Court Decision | FreeTheElkhart4.com, Elkhart 4 Facebook Page (not run by this blog), Who are The Elkhart 4? Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony P. Sharp Jr. were convicted of murder in the death of Danzele Johnson, with whom they had broken into the home of Rodney Scott in Elkhart. Even though the teenagers didnt pull the trigger, because Johnson was killed while they were committing a felony, Elkhart County Prosecutors charged them all with murder. We were not going to give up. Unexpected error occurred. The Elkhart 4. Blake Layman, 16, hung out with kids mostly from the neighborhood: 16-year-old Jose . At sentencing Jose Quiroz said he wanted to withdrawal the deal. He was at 16-years-old there to greet him as he left the prison Thursday. Everything and where I am thankful because I needed a wake-up call . 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. It does not matter why there were not at school. Prosecutors allege that Layman, Sharp,. The case of the Elkhart 4 was heard at the Indiana Court of Appeals and all of the punishments were reduced to 45 years. Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill's office Thursday . In September 2015 the felony murder convictions were vacated and the court ordered them to be sentenced for Burglary a B class felony. Suzanne C. Short Suzette Olivan, PHR, SHRM-CP Erin Stroud Becky Lamson Audra . Layman says hes a different person than who he was at 16-years-old. They were adolescents. Levi Sparks). 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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. The five were not armed and thought the house was vacant. Against All Odds Netflix, Does Indiana have felony murder? This is one of those buzz phrases that sounds great, but ignores the complexity of criminal justice. He is expected to be released this fall. He was not mentioned in the appeal. In regards to the ruling, the Elkhart County prosecutor issued a statement today saying, "The prosecutor's office is in the process of fully considering the recent opinion of the Indiana Supreme Court in the felony murder case arising from the death of Danzele Johnson in October of 2012. In September 2014 the Indiana Court of Appeals issued a ruling. Levi Sparks (age 17) waited on the porch of the house across the street. Sonego L. Fucsovics M. Prediction & Preview 13.04.2021. At the time of the crime Blake was 16, Jose was 16 and Levi was 17. url("https://tennis-predictions.net/wp-content/themes/bimber/css/7.5.1/bimber/fonts/bimber.svg#bimber") format("svg");font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;font-display:block} var cli_flush_cache=true; if("undefined"!=typeof localStorage){var skinItemId=document.getElementsByName("g1:skin-item-id");skinItemId=skinItemId.length>0?skinItemId[0].getAttribute("content"):"g1_skin",window.g1SwitchSkin=function(e,t){if(e){var n=document.getElementById("g1-switch-skin-css");if(n){n.parentNode.removeChild(n),document.documentElement.classList.remove("g1-skinmode");try{localStorage.removeItem(skinItemId)}catch(e){}}else{t?document.write(''):((n=document.createElement("link")).id="g1-switch-skin-css",n.href=document.getElementsByName("g1:switch-skin-css")[0].getAttribute("content"),n.rel="stylesheet",n.media="all",document.head.appendChild(n)),document.documentElement.classList.add("g1-skinmode");try{localStorage.setItem(skinItemId,e)}catch(e){}}}};try{var mode=localStorage.getItem(skinItemId);window.g1SwitchSkin(mode,!0)}catch(e){}} if("undefined"!=typeof localStorage){var nsfwItemId=document.getElementsByName("g1:nsfw-item-id");nsfwItemId=nsfwItemId.length>0?nsfwItemId[0].getAttribute("content"):"g1_nsfw_off",window.g1SwitchNSFW=function(e){e? One year after his release in March of 2016, Suspect formally charged in attack outside University Park Mall, Notre Dame football announces 2023 schedule with video game-themed promo, Man accused of armed robbery at grocery store on Hively Avenue, Desmont Upchurch announces candidacy for mayor, Water temporarily shut off in area of Wolcottville for repair, Trafficking Tragedy: How pandemic travel restrictions may have exacerbated fentanyl crisis, Trafficking Tragedy: Austin's story, how one pill can end a life, Trafficking Tragedy: DEA warns of deadly rise in fentanyl. He works full time at a manufacturer in Middlebury. Any unauthorised use of the content of this blog will not be tolerated. For more information you can read our articles. He fired at them, injuring 16-year-old Blake Layman and killing 21-year-old Danzele Johnson. Elkhart County Sheriff's Department Anthony Sharp's mugshot. Quiroz was not mentioned in the appeal because he had accepted a plea deal. tr{padding:0!important;display:grid;grid-template-columns:18% 37% 25% 20%}.vip-table-content .selectat tr With all these guys behind me anythings possible. While serving time at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, Layman fell in love with learning and earned his GED. In September, the Supreme Court overturned the felony murder convictions and ruledLaymanwould instead be sentenced to burglary. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that (September 18, 2015) - The Indiana Supreme Court overturned felony murder convictions for three young men from Elkhart on Friday. Last week, he and his fianc gave birth to their first child. . Please bet responsibly. Anyone is welcome to link to the blog or quote specific text as long as they have properly referenced the source giving credit to this blog for authorship. Are the disinfectant cleaners you use at home getting the job done? Whitewashing the Elkhart 4 The Real Victim by Robert A. Court ) Appellant, ) appeal from the Elkhart 4 the Real Victim By Robert a and won appeal. Burglary gone wrong 16-years-old, he and three others were held responsible for death, is only just now beginning Sparks to see him 2020 year in Review ; Legal Impact podcast ; Court. Chicken teriyaki, with bacon on wheat toast, shredded cheese, toasted with onions, lettuce, banana peppers, jalapenos with sweet onion sauce and ranch.. ELKHART, Ind. Also, I hope to see these men leading productive, crime-free lives when theyre released. Tragically, not only was the home occupied, but the homeowner shot and killed Danzele. A friend who they continue to mourn for. Is this true? 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. I know exactly what Im going to get, Sparks said. All rights are reserved. 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. On Aug. 22, 2013, a jury convicted all three of felony murder. Layman says his support system was an important part of staying strong through his sentence. 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. When they gave him 55 years I thought Id never see my grandson again out free, said Laymans grandfather Jeff McQueen. All Rights Reserved. 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,. A parent can teach their children right from wrong. Then how is it that Mr. Johnsons death is officially called justifiable homocide and then murder charges filed (against anybody)? A sense of satisfaction in it finally being over, said Layman. One year on three questions Curtis Hill does not want us asking. A sense of satisfaction in it finally being over, said Layman. But, a federal court overturned the murder convictions and the sentences were reduced. I didn t think I d ever see this day Case! I wasted years of my life getting high and doing things like that. Happy 2014 and the dangers of ignoring intent. He was re-sentenced to 10 years in prison. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Layman says his support system was an important part of staying strong through his sentence. 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. 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. It's what Sparks knew he wanted as his first meal on the day he was released from prison -- a day he thought he wouldnt see for decades. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. I thought I was stuck and just because I lost hope, said Sparks. The second of the Elkhart Four to be released from prison will become a free man for the first time in almost three years on Thursday, March 31. Lives in Elkhart with his fianc Katherine Huskey says about decisions from the Court of Appeals of,! 53550 Generations Drive South Bend, IN 46635. Layman Comes home 04/04/2016 11:11 am PDT WBND-LD me anything s got his family . Photograph: Supplied. I never really thought much about my future before everything and where I am today my future is everything to me. Can get anything done, said Layman Indiana Court vacancies ; home Blake. Chaos Knight Dota 2, When Scott heard the intruders, he sprang from bed and fired a handgun at them. Huskey and Laymans family would drive four hours to the Carlisle prison every two weeks to see him. We were going to fight until we had him home, says Debbie McQueen, Blakes grandmother. He recalls that a couple of hours after his arrest, he was told by officials at the county jail in Elkhart that he was . Sentenced to 50 years behind bars, he fought the conviction. Sparks was given nine years and Sharp and Layman were given 10 years. Now three of the so-called "Elkhart Four" were back in Elkhart County to be. (LogOut/ However, adolescent development and brain science research show that, compared with adults, children and teenagers areless able to perceive and assess risks. Its innovative digital engagement platform is built around a holistic approach, factoring . If do the crime, do the time effectively reduced crime then the USA would be the safest country in the world. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In Indiana you cant drink alcohol until you are 21. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The homeowner, Rodney Scott, was not charged with a crime because prosecutors determined he acted in self-defense. 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. . 19 talking about this. 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. Six weeks ago, they welcomed baby Hadlee. Did Curtis Hill ignore the juvenile factor in the case of The Elkhart 4? ABC 57s Sara Rivest checked in with Levi Sparks to see what his life is like now. They knocked on doors and decided that one house was empty. Watched all the shows and read these blogs. For Layman and his family its a happy ending, one they thought they may never see. You can read more about the Indiana felony murder law in our articles: But dont most states have felony murder laws? 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