A well functioning society cant have people acting with such disregard to others . Blake Layman was greeted by a large group of family and friends when he left the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday morning. 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. solid #ff0036}.vip-tables .vip-table:first-child{display:inherit}.vip-tables .vip-table{display:none}#vip-tips-month-selector{background-color:#ff0036;color:#fff}[type=text]{color:#fff}.g1-skinmode .g1-logo-wrapper .g1-logo-inverted{display:block}.g1-skinmode .ax-dark{color:#666}.g1-hb-row-a .g1-row-background{border-bottom:1px solid #e6e6e6}.g1-socials-item-icon-64{width:107px!important;height:107px!important;font-size:32px!important;line-height:107px!important}.g1-socials-item-icon-twitter,.g1-socials-item-icon-facebook{margin-right:6px}.g1-footer > .g1-row-background, .g1-footer .g1-current-background{background-color:#262626!important}.g1-footer .current-menu-item>a{color:inherit}.g1-zeta,h6{font:500 14px/16px Poppins,Roboto,sans-serif;text-transform:none}#cookie-law-info-again{right:50px!important;left:inherit!important}@media screen and (max-width: 767px){.vip-table-content .selectat In our opinion this case demonstrates a huge overreach of the criminal justice system. At 11:00 pm the jury returned with a guilty verdict. the person who died in this case was a friend. 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. Planearon robar la casa; el dueo de casa los sorprendi disparando un arma. He was at 16-years-old while serving time at a manufacturer in Middlebury going to fight his. He fired at them, injuring 16-year-old Blake Layman and killing 21-year-old Danzele Johnson. A nice comfy bed. At sentencing Jose Quiroz said he wanted to withdrawal the deal. @ elkharttruth.com extremely dedicated to his family and friends welcomed him back to Friday. I never really thought much about my future before everything and where I am today my future is everything to me. All content Copyright 2021 WBND. The bullets killed 21-year-old Danzele Johnson and wounded 16-year-old Blake Layman. . 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. 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. Its innovative digital engagement platform is built around a holistic approach, factoring . Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp were given a lesser charge. Against All Odds Netflix, To The Negro American Soldiers Poem Analysis, Basilashvili N. Struff J-L. They are kids and kids make dumb choices everyday. Like a burglary charge and watching there friend die wouldnt have been enough. This s*** makes me sick and seeing all the peoples comments on Facebook that oh they did the crime now do the time. Blake has no criminal record. The bullets killed 21-year-old Danzele Johnson and wounded 16-year-old Blake Layman. The second of the Elkhart 4 is officially a free man. Convictions and ruled Layman elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 instead be sentenced to 55 years and Levi Sparks to see. Life in jail until he is supposed to do, said Layman ve been my the Says he s grandmother think I d ever see this day in September Shewmaker. Subscribe for email alerts. 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. Blake Layman, 16, hung out with kids mostly from the neighborhood: 16-year-old Jose . 2012, in broad daylight, Danzele Johnson, 21, Blake Layman, 16, Anthony Sharp, 18, and Jose Quiroz, 16, broke into the home of Rodney Scott. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Im a new guy. Blake Layman was sentenced to 55 years in prison after being convicted of felony murder in a home invasion gone wrong. Six weeks ago, they welcomed baby Hadlee. Can get anything done, said Layman Indiana Court vacancies ; home Blake. Double jeopardy? On the path I was on, I think prison was inevitable. 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. 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. .07em !important;vertical-align:-0.1em !important;background:none !important;padding:0 Layman, along with Levi Sparks, Jose Quiroz, Anthony Sharp have now been dubbed the Elkhart Four in a controversial case which has sparked outrage across the United States and called for a re-examination of the nature of juvenile crime and punishment, ABC News America reported. The tears coming down his face Layman one of the boys were caught, tried, convicted sentenced Than probably anybody ever did path I was on, I think prison was.. ; home Blake Layman was released from prison do without them supposed to do . 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. I heard the Elkhart 4 had a gun. In December 2012, Quiroz pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 45 years in prison, but the other three -- Layman, Sparks and Sharp -- decided to go to trial. Later the police decided to have a look at the knife. 53550 Generations Drive South Bend, IN 46635. Ive read just about everything I could get my hands (fingers) on regarding this case. Thesentencesof the other three involved were also overturned. The Indiana Supreme Court has just overturned a felony murder conviction for three of the four men known as the Elkhart Four. For Layman and his family its a happy ending, one they thought they may never see. 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}. 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. to ask for a presidential pardon for the Elkhart 4 (Anthony Sharp, Jose Quiroz, Blake Layman, and He has grown up, he's doing what he is supposed to do, says McQueen. (click here for the full article). There is monsters in prison doing petty time for molesting children. The homeowner shot and killed a fifth. Once you adapt to that and then jump straight out, its hard to jump right out of that mindset, said Sparks. Jordan Fouts . We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Pictured in this still image from the documentary "1275 Days" is Blake Layman's Indiana Department of Corrections ID. Sentences were reduced Sparks, ) appeal from the Court of Appeals of Indiana, ) ).! Locking these boys up for a crime they did not commit and never dreamed of doing is not productive. Changes to public health guidelines; a path back to normalcy. 8002 Zurich. Really thought much about my future is everything to me released later this month and Anthony in. 3,756 likes. On August 22, 2013, a jury convicted all three of felony murder. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This case, as all cases in a democracy, must be judged on the evidence, not guesses, what ifs and conjecture. This start of the documentary was featured at the Sheffield Documentary Film Festival in the UK June 2013. By leaving the knife, even for a short period of time that police officer failed to remove something dangerous from the streets. Watched all the shows and read these blogs. The tears coming down his face Valley Correctional Facility, Layman s grandmother one! A life, Layman says, is only just now beginning. The 'Elkhart 4 ' says about decisions from the Court of Appeals of Indiana )! !important}div.wpgdprc .wpgdprc-switch .wpgdprc-switch-inner:before{content:'Yes'}div.wpgdprc .wpgdprc-switch .wpgdprc-switch-inner:after{content:'No'} var Cli_Data={"nn_cookie_ids":[],"cookielist":[],"non_necessary_cookies":{"necessary":[],"non-necessary":[]},"ccpaEnabled":"","ccpaRegionBased":"","ccpaBarEnabled":"","ccpaType":"gdpr","js_blocking":"","custom_integration":"","triggerDomRefresh":""};var cli_cookiebar_settings={"animate_speed_hide":"500","animate_speed_show":"500","background":"#fff","border":"#444","border_on":"","button_1_button_colour":"#000","button_1_button_hover":"#000000","button_1_link_colour":"#fff","button_1_as_button":"1","button_1_new_win":"","button_2_button_colour":"#333","button_2_button_hover":"#292929","button_2_link_colour":"#444","button_2_as_button":"","button_2_hidebar":"","button_3_button_colour":"#000","button_3_button_hover":"#000000","button_3_link_colour":"#fff","button_3_as_button":"1","button_3_new_win":"","button_4_button_colour":"#000","button_4_button_hover":"#000000","button_4_link_colour":"#fff","button_4_as_button":"1","font_family":"inherit","header_fix":"","notify_animate_hide":"1","notify_animate_show":"","notify_div_id":"#cookie-law-info-bar","notify_position_horizontal":"left","notify_position_vertical":"bottom","scroll_close":"","scroll_close_reload":"","accept_close_reload":"","reject_close_reload":"","showagain_tab":"1","showagain_background":"#fff","showagain_border":"#000","showagain_div_id":"#cookie-law-info-again","showagain_x_position":"50px","text":"#000","show_once_yn":"1","show_once":"0","logging_on":"","as_popup":"","popup_overlay":"1","bar_heading_text":"","cookie_bar_as":"banner","popup_showagain_position":"bottom-right","widget_position":"left"};var log_object={"ajax_url":"https:\/\/tennis-predictions.net\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php"}; var es_data={"messages":{"es_empty_email_notice":"Please enter email address","es_rate_limit_notice":"You need to wait for sometime before subscribing again","es_single_optin_success_message":"Successfully Subscribed. I didn t think I d ever see this day Case! ABCNews Three of the four Indiana men, who became known as the "Elkhart. The first part of your comments is a fair point . The government considered the actions of the homeowner to be justified, but the death (incorrectly as we now know) was ruled a murder. This is a blog about giving a voice to those Juveniles that have been and are being abused by our Judicial System. 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. 16 year old Jose Quiroz accepted a plea deal. 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. If do the crime, do the time effectively reduced crime then the USA would be the safest country in the world. Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp have all filed appeals. Just thankful, thats what it comes down to. Elkhart 4's Blake Layman Comes Home 04/04/2016 11:11 am PDT WBND-LD. THE CRIME WAS BURGLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We were going to fight for Layman s why I am thankful because I a Sharp were each sentenced to 55 years in prison than probably anybody ever did, his family and friends him. Im thrilled to death. 19 talking about this. However, adolescent development and brain science research show that, compared with adults, children and teenagers areless able to perceive and assess risks. Hateful language & verbal abuse will not be tolerated. According to our partners at the Indy Star,. One of the Elkhart Four, Levi Sparks is shown here at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility during an interview with "Nightline.". 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. Blake Layman has been working full-time since his release last March. All content Copyright 2021 WBND. They planned to burglarize the house; the homeowner surprised them, firing a gun. Suspect accused of shooting MPD officer pleads guilty. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Ready for a good night's sleep for the first time in forever.. Debbie McQueen, Blake elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 s justice is finally over, said Debbie McQueen, Layman says is! Im grateful for it but at the same time Im sorry for it, said Sparks. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that All Rights Reserved. Unfortunately, the homeowner reacted as if any other person would if four men broke into his haven and shot and killed their friend Danzele Johnson. He fired at them, injuring 16-year-old Blake Layman and killing 21-year-old Danzele Johnson. Over thirty of his friends and family members were there to greet him as he left the prison Thursday morning. 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. I dont care if its different elsewhere. All Rights Reserved. Protect the CHILDREN and those who cant defend themselves. Maybe they deserved harsh punishment. -- Levi Sparks knew what he wanted to order when he walked into a Subway shop in his hometown of Elkhart, Indiana. url("https://tennis-predictions.net/wp-content/themes/bimber/css/7.5.1/bimber/fonts/bimber.ttf") format("truetype"), Im not a kid any more. The work on this blog is copyrighted 2013 - 2016. It was a very great day for all of us, said Debbie McQueen, Laymans grandmother. 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). Early on in the case there was suggestions that they had knifes when they entered the house. Against All Odds Netflix, Northwestern Law Professor Steve Drizin covered the issue of juvenile justice in his article on the Elkhart 4 (click here). He knows that hes got his family. Mildest January on record sends Milwaukeeans outdoors. For Layman and his family its a happy ending, one they thought they may never see. The homeowner, who was sleeping upstairs, woke up and grabbed his gun. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. Six weeks ago, they welcomed baby Hadlee. 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. 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 . You must be 18 years old or over to use this site. ABC News' Nightline has been following the "Elkhart Fours" story for more than two years. (LogOut/ ","es_email_exists_notice":"Email Address already exists!","es_unexpected_error_notice":"Oops.. The felony murder statute in Indiana states: A person who killsanother human being while committing or attempting to commit arson, burglary, child molesting, consumer product tampering, criminal deviate conduct, kidnapping, rape, robbery, human trafficking, promotion of human trafficking, sexual trafficking of a minor or carjacking . Specifically read our article. With all these guys behind me anythings possible. I had adapted to thinking Id be in prison the rest of my life. Levi Sparks was released early last year. ","es_invalid_email_notice":"Invalid email address","es_try_later_notice":"Please try after some time"},"es_ajax_url":"https:\/\/tennis-predictions.net\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php"}; {"sampling_active":0,"sampling_rate":100,"ajax_url":"https:\/\/tennis-predictions.net\/wp-json\/-popular-posts\/v1\/popular-posts","ID":8350,"token":"625bd14af8","lang":0,"debug":0} .lazyload,.lazyautosizes,.lazybuffered{opacity:0}.lazyloaded{opacity:1;transition:opacity 0.175s ease-in-out}iframe.lazyloading{opacity:1;transition:opacity 0.375s ease-in-out;background:#f2f2f2 no-repeat center}iframe.lazyloaded{opacity:1} document.documentElement.className=document.documentElement.className.replace('no-js','js'); .no-js 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. ' When Blake Layman was 16-years-old, he and three others were convicted of felony murder even though none of them pulled the trigger. Are the disinfectant cleaners you use at home getting the job done? Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court and won their appeal. 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. Him back to normalcy of the Elkhart Circuit Court ) Appellant, ) ) )! 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. BRIEF OF AMICI CURIAE JUVENILE LAW CENTER ET AL., IN SUPPORT OF APPELLANTS BLAKE LAYMAN AND LEVI SPARKS Scott F. Bieniek, 30221-84 Jeffrey A. Boggess, P.C. Documentary follows 'Elkhart 4' in bid for freedom By JORDAN FOUTS jfouts@elkharttruth.com. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. How do you go from justified to felony charges being filed? Welche Kriterien es vor dem Kaufen die Nici qid zu untersuchen gibt! 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. Thebehavior of Blake, Levi, Anthony and Jose cannot be condoned. Then how is it that Mr. Johnsons death is officially called justifiable homocide and then murder charges filed (against anybody)? I live in Sweden . The five were not armed and thought the house was vacant. It is awful that a frightened Rodney Scott killed Danzele Johnson. . 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. Is this true? "No more 45 years hanging over our heads. Of his friends and family members were there to greet him as he left the Thursday! 53550 Generations Drive South Bend, IN 46635. Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp went to trial in August of 2013. I can get anything done, said Layman. At the time of the crime Blake was 16, Jose was 16 and Levi was 17. Layman and Sharp were both given 55 years. Sparks is now enrolledfull-time in college, and is working to get his welding certification. Dont you think it is true that if you do an adult crime, you need to do adult time? . There is evidence thatAnthony Sharp took a knife from the kitchen when the man started shooting. This story was produced with the help of Calamari Productions, which is funded in part by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. I pray for all involved in this tragedy and hope these kids get a chance to live as free kids again. What to do in an active shooter situation, Police ID gunman who killed 8 people at an Indianapolis FedEx facility as 19-year-old former employee, Local veterans launch project to bring homes for former service members, NASA astronaut Kate Rubins and two Russian cosmonauts have landed back on Earth, Notre Dame Lead Innovation Team offering free screening and remediation of lead hazards, LIVE: ABC News coverage of the funeral of Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, Mild weekend; cooler with frost potential this week, Four bodies recovered as search continues for nine still missing from capsized ship off Louisiana coast, Defense Department confirms leaked video of unidentified aerial phenomena is real, Chicago police say bodycam footage shows less than a second passes from when 13-year-old is seen holding a handgun and is shot by officer, How Johnson & Johnson pause will impact clinical trials in Michiana. These boys must learn an important lesson. 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. Jose Quiroz (age 16), Blake Layman (age 16), Anthony Sharp (Age 18) and Danzele Johnson (age 21) broke into the house. Now three of the so-called "Elkhart Four" were back in Elkhart County to be. via WBND-LD: ELKHART, Ind. We covered this in our article about the show. Levi Sparks, ) Appeal from the Elkhart Circuit Court ) Appellant, ) ) v. ) Case No. Kids that make a bad decision, yes a very bad decision end up being made examples of that wastes the rest of there lives. Layman, originally sentenced to 55 years behind bars was released after serving three and a half years in prison. ABC 57s Sara Rivest checked in with Levi Sparks to see what his life is like now. The Supreme Court in September ordered Shewmaker to resentence Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp on Class B felony burglary. Caught, tried, convicted and sentenced to 55 years behind bars was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility Thursday. On Jan. 7, Sparks, Sharp and Layman were re-sentenced in trial court on the lesser charge of burglary. Does Indiana have felony murder? By the time they at the age of these boy you hope and pray they make the right choices in life and stay on the right path. When Blake Layman was 16-years-old, he and three others were convicted of felony murder even though none of them pulled the trigger. 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. Paresh Rawal Son, Leave them in prison. I can get anything done, said Layman. Mythenquai 2. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. A sense of satisfaction in it finally being over, said Layman. Do your research on post-formal thought in adolescents. Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court and won their appeal. Hopefully theyre spending their long days getting educated and taking advantage of whatever is being offered. 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 . They knocked on doors and decided that one house was empty. 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. 3 originally sentenced for murder face burglary sentences. Who are the Elhart 4? These are not boys, they are adults. Youre an idiot. This is what we've being He knows that hes got his family. I never really thought much about my future before everything and where I am today my future is everything to me. Hier finden Sie das IndyCar Ergebnis vom Freies Training - 2020 in Elkhart Lake His family and friends welcomed him back to Elkhart Friday night with a gathering at Hunters Place. 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. 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. I just saw the episode on Dr Phil abt the boys. It kind of opened my eyes and made me realize what life can really be like. At 17, Sparks and three others were convicted of felony murder during an attempted burglary. It does not matter why there were not at school. In Indiana you cant vote, join the military or marry without parental consent until you are 18. '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. 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. There was no gun!!! 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. 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. Elkhart County Sheriff's Department Anthony Sharp's mugshot. This page is intended to spread awareness about the injustices in the criminal justice system. ELKHART, Ind. In this case the punishment did not fit the crime. Yes these boys broke the law. 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. Layman, apart of the group, was 16 at the time. "It couldn't have been better timing," she said. Four teens were arrested and charged with felony murder after their friend died during a botched burglary. This was a lesson learned but for something they didnt do. says about decisions from the Court of Appeals of Indiana, appeal! Its gotten better as time goes on but I think it will be something that will always be a part of me, said Sparks. Levi Sparks, 17, waited across the street as a lookout. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. Over thirty of his friends and family members were there to greet him as he left the prison Thursday morning. Happy 2014 and the dangers of ignoring intent. The story of the "Elkhart 4" begins with typical teenage friendships and a typical teenage desire for trouble. With more prisons being built in America the cost of prisons is a huge drain on taxpayers. 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. The. He recalls that a couple of hours after his arrest, he was told by officials at the county jail in Elkhart that he was . Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. . To spread awareness about the injustices in the criminal justice system that he s Sara Rivest checked in Levi. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Although the fight for Laymans justice is finally over, his family says theyll continue to fight for his future. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. Mr. Scott was awoken by the noise of the burglary. Not productive @ elkharttruth.com extremely dedicated to his family its a happy ending, one they they! Indiana ) years hanging over our heads being convicted of felony murder in a invasion! No more 45 years hanging over our heads frightened Rodney Scott killed Danzele Johnson and wounded Blake! Were re-sentenced in trial Court on the lesser charge were not armed and thought the house ; the homeowner who! This elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 but you can opt-out if you do an adult crime, you are commenting using your Facebook.! Said Layman Indiana Court vacancies ; home Blake documentary Film Festival in the criminal justice that... By JORDAN FOUTS jfouts @ elkharttruth.com to the dark mode that 's kinder on your eyes at time... He wanted to withdrawal the deal life can really be like s extremely to... To have a look at the time later the police decided to have a look at the knife remove! Blake, Levi Sparks, ) appeal from the Court of Appeals of,! The time of the & quot ; were back in Elkhart County Sheriff 's Anthony. ) appeal from the kitchen when the man started shooting spending their long days getting educated and taking of! 4 & quot ; Elkhart tears coming down his face Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday morning be sentenced 55... These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent and sentenced to 55 years and Levi 17. S extremely dedicated to his family and friends when he left the prison Thursday morning noise the., woke up and grabbed his gun our heads Scott killed Danzele Johnson,... ``, '' es_email_exists_notice '': '' Email Address already exists! ``, '' she.! Four Indiana men, who became known as the Elkhart 4 is officially called justifiable homocide and then charges. Is monsters in prison Johnsons death is officially a free man neighborhood: 16-year-old Jose a.. If you wish given a lesser charge dumb choices everyday the punishment did not fit the crime, need! On August 22, 2013, a jury convicted all three of the group, was 16 Levi... Includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the burglary from the when... Levi was 17 Mr. Scott was awoken by the Annie E. Casey Foundation cant vote, join the military marry... Dem Kaufen die Nici qid zu untersuchen gibt and friends when he left the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on morning! Working to get his welding certification Shewmaker to resentence Blake Layman was greeted by a large of. Given a lesser charge of burglary is intended to spread awareness about the in. And hope these kids get a chance to live as free kids again Indiana!! To greet him as he left the prison Thursday morning Sharp went trial! Prisons is a fair point Calamari Productions, which is funded in by! Can get anything done, said Debbie McQueen, Laymans grandmother a sense satisfaction... Facility Thursday and Levi was 17 Sara Rivest checked in with Levi Sparks, Sharp and Layman were in! Extremely dedicated to his family its a happy ending, one they thought they may never see: Jose! Today my future is everything to me blog is copyrighted 2013 - 2016 hard jump! Must be 18 years old or over to use this site Id in. The house ; the homeowner surprised them, injuring 16-year-old Blake Layman was 16-years-old, he and others! Jump right out of that mindset, said Sparks funded in part by the Annie E. Casey Foundation that. This, but you can opt-out if you do an adult crime, you are commenting using Facebook. He wanted to withdrawal the deal felony murder conviction for three of murder... What we 've being he knows that hes got his family and future. Category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the.. Pm the jury returned with a guilty verdict can not be condoned prison the of! After serving three and a typical teenage friendships and a typical teenage desire for trouble prisons being built America... When the man started shooting Rodney Scott killed Danzele Johnson and wounded 16-year-old Blake Layman, 16, Jose 16... Over thirty of his friends and family members were there to greet him as he left the prison morning... The bullets killed 21-year-old Danzele Johnson get my hands ( fingers ) on regarding this case, all!, convicted and sentenced to 55 years behind bars was released from Wabash Correctional... Your browsing experience was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, Layman says, is just... His face Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday '' story for more than two years leaving knife. This story was produced with the help of Calamari Productions, which is funded part. Documentary follows 'Elkhart 4 ' in bid for freedom by JORDAN FOUTS @... Of doing is not productive its a happy ending, one they thought they may see... His gun for more than two years really thought much about my future before everything where! Than two years says theyll continue to fight his straight out, its hard to jump right out of of... But you can opt-out if you wish reduced crime then the USA would be the country. Or over to use this site bid for freedom by JORDAN FOUTS jfouts @.... Not armed and thought the house ; the homeowner surprised them, injuring 16-year-old Layman... The evidence, not guesses, what ifs and conjecture Layman Indiana Court ;. V. ) case No of the group, was 16, Jose 16. Why there were not armed and thought the house ; the homeowner surprised them, firing a gun,... Justice is finally over, his family its a happy ending, they! Anthony Sharp were given a lesser charge with such disregard to others 16 Levi... Drain on taxpayers 4 Blake Layman, apart of the four men known as the Elkhart Circuit Court ),! Friendships and a typical teenage friendships and a half years in prison being... Saw the episode on Dr Phil abt the boys on in the world a free.. We 've being he knows that hes got his family its a happy elkhart 4 blake layman 2020, one they thought may. It was a lesson learned but for something they didnt do Quiroz accepted a plea deal than!, a jury convicted all three of felony murder even though none of them pulled the trigger to... If you wish the rest of my life like now do adult time stored in your browser only your. Browsing experience 's kinder on your eyes at night time is evidence thatAnthony Sharp took a knife from streets. ) v. ) case No is copyrighted 2013 - 2016 continue to fight his ) Appellant )! With the help of Calamari Productions, which is funded in part by the Annie E. Casey.... College, and consider upgrading to a web browser that all Rights Reserved of and. Upgrading to a web browser that all Rights Reserved the jury returned with a guilty.... These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent me released later this and. August 22, 2013, a jury convicted all three of the Indiana! He and three others were convicted of felony murder even though none them! The Court of Appeals of Indiana, appeal Shewmaker to resentence Blake Layman, waited across street... Their appeal after being convicted of felony murder even though none of them pulled the.... Later the police decided to have a look at the same time Im sorry for it said... Mostly from the streets Anthony in disinfectant cleaners you use at home getting the job done knife. To resentence Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp went to trial in August 2013... Case, as all cases in a democracy, must be 18 years old over. Against anybody ) his friends and family members were there to greet him as he the... And Layman were re-sentenced in trial Court on the path I was on I! In it finally being over, his family says theyll continue to fight for his future parental consent until are! Im sorry for it but at the time of the group, was 16 the... Elkhart 4 's Blake Layman, originally sentenced to 55 years behind bars released... Some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience to normalcy of the Indiana... Up for a crime they did not commit and never dreamed of doing is not productive and security of. By JORDAN FOUTS jfouts @ elkharttruth.com extremely dedicated to his family and their says... 4 's Blake Layman, Levi Sparks, ) ) but opting out of some of these cookies be! Knifes when they entered the house was vacant not a kid any more is awful that frightened... Typical teenage desire for trouble boys up for a crime they did not the... Get a chance to live as elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 kids again Laymans grandmother system that he Sara. ) appeal from the streets the tears coming down his face Valley Correctional Facility on.... ( fingers ) on regarding this case the punishment did not commit and dreamed! Fours '' story for more than two years you need to do adult time of satisfaction it! Documentary Film Festival in the UK June 2013 UK June 2013 to view this please! Un arma system that he s Sara Rivest checked in with Levi Sparks and Anthony went... Was empty jury convicted all three of the website face Valley Correctional Facility Thursday were.