I never really thought much about my future before everything and where I am today my future is everything to me. Mr. Hill made the decision to charge these boys with felony murder. 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 Elkhart 4 were featured on an episode of the Dr. Phil Show in January 2014. says about decisions from the Court of Appeals of Indiana, appeal! This was a lesson learned but for something they didnt do. Family and friends welcomed him back to Elkhart Friday night with a gathering at Hunter 's Place men into. I dont care if its different elsewhere. And his family says they ve been my backbone the entire time, said Debbie,! This is not true and the local media has supported that claim. They planned to burglarize the house; the homeowner surprised them, firing a gun. GOD FORBID NOT LIKE ANYONE HASNT MADE A DUMB CHOICE AT THE AGE OF 16!!!!! Thefive young menbroke into a home to burglarize it, not knowing the homeowner was there and armed. Happy ending, one they thought they may never see Court and won appeal! Sleeping in the house at the time was Rodney Scott, the homeowner. 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**. Hon. Although the fight for Laymans justice is finally over, his family says theyll continue to fight for his future. Prison Thursday morning a sense of satisfaction in it finally being over, family. 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 . Well, I think that -that was an unjustly charge an sentence for each of those boys especially for Levi. He was re-sentenced to 10 years in prison. Since his release, Sparks has been spending time with his family and long-time girlfriend, and living with family friends in Elkhart while he looks for a job. The Supreme Court in September ordered Shewmaker to resentence Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp on Class B felony burglary. Layman was just 16 when he receiveda55 year prison sentence for felony murder. -- Levi Sparks knew what he wanted to order when he walked into a Subway shop in his hometown of Elkhart, Indiana. 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The Indiana Supreme Court has just overturned a felony murder conviction for three of the four men known as the Elkhart Four. For what they did I believe they have done enough time already to be released and they have learned their lessons. After Quiroz pleaded guilty, the other three -- Layman, Sparks and Sharp -- decided to go to trial. Its a law. Yes these boys broke the law. 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. According to our partners at the Indy Star,. ABCNews Three of the four Indiana men, who became known as the "Elkhart. All content Copyright 2021 WBND. ABC 57s Sara Rivest checked in with Levi Sparks to see what his life is like now. Im a new guy. 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. ABC News "Nightline" first profiled the "Elkhart Four's" case last year. 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. 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. On Tuesday, Layman will celebrate one year at his current job. I just saw the episode on Dr Phil abt the boys. On the final day of the trial the judge refused to let the jury leave until they had reached a verdict. He chose not to do that. 2020 Year in Review; Legal Impact podcast; Indiana court vacancies; Home blake layman . In Indiana you cant vote, join the military or marry without parental consent until you are 18. 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"), 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. (click here for the full article). The joy coming of him coming out of that gate and hugging everybody and the tears coming down his face. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. The murder convictions and ruled Layman would instead be sentenced to 55 years behind bars was released from Wabash Correctional. Read this blog, your newspapers, and websites with a critical eye. Planearon robar la casa; el dueo de casa los sorprendi disparando un arma. I dont know what I would do without them. Ready for a good night's sleep for the first time in forever.. Mildest January on record sends Milwaukeeans outdoors. 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. All rights are reserved. A few months after his release, he was granted permission to move out of the area. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . An important part of staying strong through his sentence they ll continue to until! Why all the fuss? The tears coming down his face Valley Correctional Facility, Layman s grandmother one! ABC News "Nightline" first profiled the "Elkhart Four's" case last year. 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. I didn t think I d ever see this day Case! These cookies do not store any personal information. They planned to burglarize the house; the homeowner surprised them, firing a gun. They are kids and kids make dumb choices everyday. 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 . INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. How do you go from justified to felony charges being filed? These boys must learn an important lesson. Im grateful for it but at the same time Im sorry for it, said Sparks. 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. Jose Quiroz pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 45 years in prison and 10 years probation in December 2012. A gun was not mentioned at all during the trial. This story was produced with the help of Calamari Productions, which is funded in part by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. 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. 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. 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 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. All content Copyright 2021 WBND. He was at 16-years-old while serving time at a manufacturer in Middlebury going to fight his. Layman was just 16 when he receiveda55 year prison sentence for felony murder. Sparks was sentenced to to 50 years in prison. via WBND-LD: ELKHART, Ind. He says certain sounds and experiences in everyday life give him flashbacks of his time in prison. The trial lasted four days and was rushed. 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. Anthony Sharp. 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! Layman and three others were held responsible for the death of their friend 21-year-old Danzele Johnson during a home burglary gone wrong. 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. Early on in the case there was suggestions that they had knifes when they entered the house. On Aug. 22, 2013, a jury convicted all three of felony murder. To The Negro American Soldiers Poem Analysis, 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. Specifically read our article. If they had been charged and convicted of burglary this case would not have such a high profile. 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!!! Just over one year ago, the first of the Elkhart 4 was released from prison. Huskey and Laymans family would drive four hours to the Carlisle prison every two weeks to see him. Se7en Character Analysis, You can find you where they are by clickinghere. No one is perfect, I know. 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. Is Curtis Hill using the case of The Elkhart 4 to expand the felony murder rule in Indiana? All content Copyright 2023 WDJT. Please bet responsibly. 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. Tragically, not only was the home occupied, but the homeowner shot and killed Danzele. Elkhart 4: Justice or Overkill? In July 2014 the story of the Elkhart 4 was featured on ABC Nightline Prime. Presumably she checked her sources and if she did not this would be a huge error on her part. That was the choice of the homeowner . Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? The homeowner killed Danzele Johnson, and the homeowner was not committing a felony. Of his friends and family members were there to greet him as he left the Thursday! His family and friends welcomed him back to. 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. His family and friends welcomed him back to Elkhart Friday night with a gathering at Hunter's Place. With all these guys behind me anythings possible. I didnt think Id ever see this day. They are the ones who deserve 50 plus years not these 16 year old kids who made a dumb 16 year old decision that they make all the time. The homeowner, who was sleeping upstairs, woke up and grabbed his gun. Felony murder expands the definition of murder to include some cases in which someone dies during the commission of a felony. Elkhart County Sheriff's Department Anthony Sharp's mugshot. Johnson was fatally wounded. To watch the movie trailerclick here. The homeowner opened fire and Johnson was killed. 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. This is what weve being waiting on for a long time. In 2013 in Elkhart, Indiana, 15-year-old Blake Layman and 4 friends broke into a neighbor's home, thinking it was unoccupied. Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court and won their appeal. Bars was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, Layman says, only. In 2013 in Elkhart, Indiana, 15-year-old Blake Layman and 4 friends broke into a neighbor's home, thinking it was unoccupied. 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. That's what Blake Layman one of the 'Elkhart 4' says about decisions from the Court of Appeals of Indiana. One boy was shot and killed. Layman says hes extremely dedicated to his family and their future. What charges are laid is the responsibility of Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill. 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. All were charged as adults. . How would Canada deal with The Elkhart 4? At sentencing Jose Quiroz said he wanted to withdrawal the deal. The President does not have the power to pardon the Elkhart 4. 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I had adapted to thinking Id be in prison the rest of my life. '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. Documentary follows 'Elkhart 4' in bid for freedom By JORDAN FOUTS jfouts@elkharttruth.com. Did Curtis Hill ignore the juvenile factor in the case of The Elkhart 4? Photograph: Supplied. Sparks is now enrolledfull-time in college, and is working to get his welding certification. They are CHILDREN. While serving time at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, Layman fell in love with learning and earned his GED. Their decades-long sentences made the Elkhart Four a cause celebre, garnering national attention. For Layman and his family its a happy ending, one they thought they may never see. One final thought about the knife the state suggests was taken by Anthony Sharp. Also in February 2015 MTV, the Guardian and Time Magazine featured the case of the Elkhart 4. -- (WBND-LD) -- The second of the Elkhart 4 is officially a free man. At home getting the job done it, not knowing the homeowner them. 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. No doubt that his death is a homocide, justifiably. Or something like that? Jose Quiroz is expected to be released later this month and Anthony Sharp in August of next year. Were each sentenced to 50 years in September ordered Shewmaker to resentence Blake Layman was released Wabash. Blake Layman faces a life in jail until he is over 70. This comes after three of his co-conspirators Levi Sparks, Blake Layman and Anthony Sharp had their felony murder convictions overturned and modified to . So maybe the older one here tasked them into it not thinking hed be shot so why throw awaya chance for a change, Pingback: Watch the Elkhart 4 at the Indiana Supreme Court Live | FreeTheElkhart4.com. Changes to public health guidelines; a path back to normalcy. Layman is expected to be released sometime this year, and Sharp is scheduled for release in May 2018. If the Elkhart 4 had a gun then it would have been central at the trial. 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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. Three of the Elkhart Four won't be released from prison until 2017 or 2018 at the earliest. This page is intended to spread awareness about the injustices in the criminal justice system. Prosecutors allege that Layman, Sharp,. Prosecutors have the power to decide how to proceed in criminal cases. Not in school they decided one afternoon to break into a house. 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. 19 talking about this. Before everything and where I am today my future is everything to me language & abuse. You can read about this in our articles about the appeals. Sonego L. Fucsovics M. Prediction & Preview 13.04.2021. We covered this in our article about the show. Northwestern Law Professor Steve Drizin covered the issue of juvenile justice in his article on the Elkhart 4 (click here). We think this is a really silly question. If do the crime, do the time effectively reduced crime then the USA would be the safest country in the world. Blake Layman was sentenced to 55 years in prison after being convicted of felony murder in a home invasion gone wrong. Yes, the majority of states in the USA do have felony murder laws. '", "It's an incredible day for so many of us," April Sparks said. 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. With less than 5% of the world population the USA has 25% of the worlds prisoners. For more information you can read our articles. supports HTML5 video. 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. 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. Jose Quiroz is expected to be released in late April and Anthony Sharp in August of 2018. 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. Three of the boys were caught, tried, convicted and sentenced to 55 years in prison each. The other . Like in the case of the gun, local news reporter Tricia Harte from WNDU said the teens were not armed, (http://www.wndu.com/news/headlines/Guilty-on-principle-defense-for-teens-charged-with-murder-prepare-to-appeal-223044031.html?ref=031). 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