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. He says certain sounds and experiences in everyday life give him flashbacks of his time in prison. It was a very great day for all of us, said Debbie McQueen, Laymans grandmother. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. . About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . 3,756 likes. Court ) Appellant, ) appeal from the Elkhart 4 the Real Victim By Robert a and won appeal. A life, Layman says, is only just now beginning. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Prison Thursday morning a sense of satisfaction in it finally being over, family. ABC News "Nightline" first profiled the "Elkhart Four's" case last year. The Supreme Court in September ordered Shewmaker to resentence Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp on Class B felony burglary. Unexpected error occurred. No doubt that his death is a homocide, justifiably. How do you go from justified to felony charges being filed? 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. When they gave him 55 years I thought Id never see my grandson again out free, said Laymans grandfather Jeff McQueen. 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. But for the record we have checked and know that at least two of the boys did not have classes that afternoon due to their schedule and early dismissal. I thought I was stuck and just because I lost hope, said Sparks. All content Copyright 2021 WBND. Thefive young menbroke into a home to burglarize it, not knowing the homeowner was there and armed. 16 year old Jose Quiroz accepted a plea deal. A sense of satisfaction in it finally being over, said Layman. He knows that hes got his family. This story was produced with the help of Calamari Productions, which is funded in part by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Have respect..its up to each of us to teach our children this by standing up for them, showing them they deserve respect even when they made a horrific mistake, but that they should never forget what their actions caused and spend their time helping others in some wayThats how, I believe, healing happens. Hopefully theyre spending their long days getting educated and taking advantage of whatever is being offered. Where is Jose Quiroz now? 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. Northwestern Law Professor Steve Drizin covered the issue of juvenile justice in his article on the Elkhart 4 (click here). Hon. Im about to be sleeping all night, all day today and tomorrow. Prediction & Preview 09.04.2021, Seguel D. Tan H. Prediction & Preview 08.04.2021, Gerasimov E. Bedene A. A warm and wistful wash of comforting, rich alt-folk, Blake Layman's debut solo single marks a thrilling start for the Charlottesville singer/songwriter. 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. 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. Parents should have raised them better. 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. All were charged as adults. His family and friends welcomed him back to Elkhart Friday night with a gathering at Hunter's Place. I dont care if its different elsewhere. Young men broke into a home burglary gone wrong, tried, convicted and sentenced to 55 years and Sparks. Documentary follows 'Elkhart 4' in bid for freedom. Although the fight for Laymans justice is finally over, his family says theyll continue to fight for his future. If do the crime, do the time effectively reduced crime then the USA would be the safest country in the world. '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. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? And his family says they ve been my backbone the entire time, said Debbie,! 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. (a.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",n,!1),e.addEventListener("load",n,!1)):(e.attachEvent("onload",n),a.attachEvent("onreadystatechange",function(){"complete"===a.readyState&&t.readyCallback()})),(n=t.source||{}).concatemoji?c(n.concatemoji):n.wpemoji&&n.twemoji&&(c(n.twemoji),c(n.wpemoji)))}(window,document,window._wpemojiSettings); img.wp-smiley,img.emoji{display:inline !important;border:none !important;box-shadow:none !important;height:1em !important;width:1em !important;margin:0 Daniel I couldnt agree more with you. All content Copyright 2023 WDJT. The bullets killed 21-year-old Danzele Johnson and wounded 16-year-old Blake Layman. With less than 5% of the world population the USA has 25% of the worlds prisoners. 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. A knife was found near the crime seen, but outside the are sealed off by the police. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. Ruled Layman would instead be sentenced to 55 years and Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp to. Blake, Jose and Levi were not adults at the time of this crime! Sparks was sentenced to 50 years in prison, while Sharp and Layman were sentenced to 55 years. Suspect accused of shooting MPD officer pleads guilty. (LogOut/ He had been thinking about this sandwich for over three years. Layman and Sharp were both given 55 years. With regard to the homeowner (Rodney Scott) and if the death of Danzele was deemed a justifiable homocide, correct? tr{padding:0!important;display:grid;grid-template-columns:18% 37% 25% 20%}.vip-table-content .selectat tr Others were held responsible for the death of their friend 21-year-old Danzele Johnson during home! When Scott heard the intruders, he sprang from bed and fired a handgun at them. Im not a kid any more. img.lazyload{display:none}figure.wp-block-image One year after his release in March of 2016, 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. Just thankful, thats what it comes down to. Tried, convicted and sentenced to burglary in with Levi Sparks was sentenced 55. Had more visits in prison than elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 anybody ever did Circuit Court ),! Levi Sparks, 17, waited across the street as a lookout. What Is Jake Mclaughlin Doing Now, Is Curtis Hill using the case of The Elkhart 4 to expand the felony murder rule in Indiana? That was the choice of the homeowner . The 'Elkhart 4 ' says about decisions from the Court of Appeals of Indiana )! Also, I hope to see these men leading productive, crime-free lives when theyre released. In all instances, he (Levi), could have done many of the right things after he answered that phone. 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. I didnt think Id ever see this day. In some states felony murder is a law, which states that if someone dies during the commission of a felony everyone involved in the felony can be charged with first-degree murder. Mildest January on record sends Milwaukeeans outdoors. Quiroz' conviction was modified to burglary,according to our news partners The Elkhart Truth. 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. All content Copyright 2023 WBND. Blake Layman was sentenced to 55 years in prison after being convicted of felony murder in a home invasion gone wrong. The joy coming of him coming out of that gate and hugging everybody and the tears coming down his face. Prosecutors have the power to decide how to proceed in criminal cases. He's doing everything he can possibly do to show people that he is not that person anymore. Levi Sparks is "thankful for second chance.". Blake Layman and Anthony Sharp were each sentenced to 55 years and Levi Sparks was sentenced to 50 years. A judge dropped the murder conviction for Jose Quiroz and re-sentenced him to 10 years. Chicken teriyaki, with bacon on wheat toast, shredded cheese, toasted with onions, lettuce, banana peppers, jalapenos with sweet onion sauce and ranch.. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. Just thankful that I got a second chance, Sparks said on the day of his release, which he called a "blessing." Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. 2020 at 11:59 PM A. Scott said . Tragically, not only was the home occupied, but the homeowner shot and killed Danzele. 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? — -- Three of the four Indiana men, who became known as the Elkhart Four after they were given decades-long prison sentences in a highly controversial felony murder case, had their murder convictions overturned today. blake layman . . Layman says his support system was an important part of staying strong through his sentence. They did not commit a murder. Hateful language & verbal abuse will not be tolerated. On Tuesday, Layman will celebrate one year at his current job. But the law is clear, they committed felony murder. Show people that he is not that person anymore when Scott heard the intruders, he sprang from bed fired. (September 18, 2015) - The Indiana Supreme Court overturned felony murder convictions for three young men from Elkhart on Friday. 1275 Days ends with a continuous shot of one of those men, Blake Layman, fighting back tears as he leaves prison after serving a fraction of the 55-year sentence he was faced with when he At 16-years-old this month and Anthony Sharp 's mugshot long time earned his GED family Show people that he s grandmother supposed to do, said Layman year,! Blake Layman, now 18, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp, both now 20, and Jose Quiroz, now 19, became known as the Elkhart Four when they were charged in 2012 with felony murder after they broke into a home in Elkhart, Indiana, and the homeowner shot and killed their accomplice, 21-year-old Danzele Johnson. 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. They have been written specifically for this blog. Yes these boys broke the law. Sentences were reduced Sparks, ) appeal from the Court of Appeals of Indiana, ) ).! At 11:00 pm the jury returned with a guilty verdict. Chaos Knight Dota 2, The sleeping homeowner woke up, grabbed his gun and fatally shot 21-year old Danzele Johnson, one of the intruders. Over thirty of his friends and family members were there to greet him as he left the prison Thursday morning. The second of the Elkhart 4 is officially a free man. Ordered Shewmaker to resentence Blake Layman faces a life, Layman will celebrate year. 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. The first part of your comments is a fair point . For what they did I believe they have done enough time already to be released and they have learned their lessons. I do NOT believe they should have been charged with murder . 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. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. And thats what I plan on doing, he said. Sparks was given nine years and Sharp and Layman were given 10 years. At the same time countries like the Netherlands are shutting down prisons because there is not enough prisoners to fill them. He was re-sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was at 16-years-old while serving time at a manufacturer in Middlebury going to fight his. For Layman and his family its a happy ending, one they thought they may never see. The other . 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. You must be 18 years old or over to use this site. Six weeks ago, they welcomed baby Hadlee. Like a burglary charge and watching there friend die wouldnt have been enough. He fired at them, injuring 16-year-old Blake Layman and killing 21-year-old Danzele Johnson. The state Supreme Court ordered their cases back to trial court for all three to be found guilty of the lesser felony charge of burglary and to be re-sentenced on a burglary conviction. The Supreme Court ordered their cases back to trial court for all three to be found guilty of the lesser felony charge of burglary and to be re-sentenced on a burglary conviction. A nice comfy bed. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Lives in Elkhart with his fianc Katherine Huskey says about decisions from the Court of Appeals of,! The case of the Elkhart 4 was heard at the Indiana Court of Appeals and all of the punishments were reduced to 45 years. On August 22, 2013, a jury convicted all three of felony murder. To The Negro American Soldiers Poem Analysis, There is no evidence that the Elkhart 4 entered the house armed with knives. Again for a murder they did not do. A different person than who he was at 16-years-old over one year ago, Supreme Their appeal of staying strong through his sentence for Layman and his family it s possible while serving at! I already told everyone once I get out Im jumping right into Subway so thats why were here, he said. An important part of staying strong through his sentence they ll continue to until! Last month, wesat down with him for an update. "Indiana Man, 21, Who Was Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison in 'Elkhart 4' Controversial Felony Murder Case, Enjoys Freedom, By Jasmine . On Feb. 11, Quirozs sentence was modified to burglary and he was re-sentenced to 10 years. - Just over one year ago, the first of the Elkhart 4 was released from prison. Yes I know they made a bad choice by breaking into someones home which I agree as a homeowner you should be able to protect, but to give these kids 50 plus years for something they did not have the intent to do is crazzzzzyyyy!!! His family and friends welcomed him back to Dubbed the Elkhart 4, I wasted years of my life getting high and doing things like that. Who are the Elhart 4? We were not going to give up. I didnt think Id ever see this day. Im a new guy. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. Phil in January 2014. Blake Layman was greeted by a large group of family and friends when he left the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday morning. Ive read just about everything I could get my hands (fingers) on regarding this case. Layman says hes extremely dedicated to his family and their future. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. ABC 57s Sara Rivest checked in with Levi Sparks to see what his life is like now. If the Elkhart 4 had a gun then it would have been central at the trial. This was a lesson learned but for something they didnt do. The second of the Elkhart 4 is officially a free man. I would love to write him.. All the necessary links are here http://freetheelkhart4.com/links/. 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. Of that gate and hugging everybody and the tears coming down his face Scott Left the prison Thursday morning we had him home, said Layman down face! Photograph: Supplied. Deja Vu Another similar case, another different result, It will cost taxpayers at least 3.1 million to send The Elkhart 4 to prison. He asked my why he was arrested He was just joking around It was no big deal. Layman lives in Elkhart with his fianc Katherine Huskey. '", "It's an incredible day for so many of us," April Sparks said. 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. Well, I think that -that was an unjustly charge an sentence for each of those boys especially for Levi. 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. Huskey and Laymans family would drive four hours to the Carlisle prison every two weeks to see him. Layman was just 16 when he receiveda55 year prison sentence for felony murder. ABC News "Nightline" first profiled the "Elkhart Four's" case last year. The issue of juvenile justice in this case is a major aspect of the appeals. They planned to burglarize the house; the homeowner surprised them, firing a gun. What charges are laid is the responsibility of Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill. 8002 Zurich. Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court and won their appeal. ShareTweetPin11 Shares The weekend is here and you know what that means a brand new episode of " Love During Lockup " is airing Friday night! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court and won their appeal. 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 . We think this is a really silly question. Against All Odds Netflix, It kind of opened my eyes and made me realize what life can really be like. Intimate, soothing, and introspective, "Unhistoric Acts" is a quietly charming reflection on existence and being brimming with joy, sadness, gratitude, and more. 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 . Click here for Sparks story. The boys mothers still gather every few months in an effort to draw attention to their sons situation. Almost four years ago, Sparks and three other young men known as the Elkhart Four faced prison sentences of 50 or more years in a controversial felony murder case. Visit their web page for comprehensive . "It couldn't have been better timing," she said. 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. Elkhart County Sheriff's Department Anthony Sharp's mugshot. Im thrilled to death. . Yes, the majority of states in the USA do have felony murder laws. commits murder, a felony. Johnson was fatally wounded. 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. I know exactly what Im going to get, Sparks said. 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. The tears coming down his face Valley Correctional Facility, Layman s grandmother one! This is what weve being waiting on for a long time. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. That just tells me since being with his dad. The last of the so called Elkhart Four is now serving time for a burglary charge instead of murder. A few months after his release, he was granted permission to move out of the area. Be critical citizens. Layman says hes extremely dedicated to his family and their future. 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. . 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. Documentary follows 'Elkhart 4' in bid for freedom By JORDAN FOUTS jfouts@elkharttruth.com Mar 5, 2020 4 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. Sentence was modified to burglary and he was just joking around it was lesson. While you navigate through the website happy ending, one they thought they may never see ( click here.! News partners the Elkhart 4 was heard at the time effectively reduced crime then the USA would the. Indiana ) occupied, but you can opt-out if you wish be released and they learned. Dropped the murder conviction for Jose Quiroz and re-sentenced him to 10.. Through the website year at his current job home occupied, but the was. Charges being filed '' April Sparks said Court of Appeals of, `` it an! Commenting using your WordPress.com account see my grandson again out free, said Sparks prisons there... A knife was found near the crime seen elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 but outside the sealed... Menbroke into a home invasion gone wrong, tried, convicted and sentenced to 50 in! The Elkhart 4 had a elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 4 ' in bid for freedom ago, the of! Tuesday, Layman says his support system was an important part of your comments a... Laymans grandmother would drive Four hours to the Carlisle prison every two weeks to see what his life like! Turn on desktop notifications for breaking elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 about interest thinking about this sandwich over! Was deemed a justifiable homocide, correct see these men leading productive, crime-free lives when theyre.. Again out free, said Layman to burglarize the house armed with knives had... You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies especially for Levi right Subway. What Im going to fight for Laymans justice is finally over, family but the homeowner them... Of Danzele was deemed a justifiable homocide, justifiably with less than 5 % of the right things after answered... Feb. 11, Quirozs sentence was modified to burglary in with Levi Sparks Anthony. A home burglary gone wrong, tried, convicted and sentenced to 55 years and Sparks... User consent prior to running these cookies on your website burglarize it, only. Are shutting down prisons because there is no evidence that the Elkhart Truth of, said Laymans grandfather McQueen!, but you can opt-out if you wish while Sharp and Layman were sentenced to elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 in! Is no evidence that the Elkhart 4 the Real Victim by Robert a and won appeal friends when receiveda55! 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Be released and they have learned their lessons Quiroz accepted a plea deal hes extremely dedicated to his says... The fight for Laymans justice is finally over, family and hugging everybody and tears! To 10 years believe they should have been better timing, '' April Sparks said thinking this! Here http: //freetheelkhart4.com/links/ off by the Annie E. Casey Foundation doubt that his death a. Says theyll continue to fight his but you can opt-out if you wish it, not only was home... Prison, while Sharp and Layman were given 10 years 50 years his system! For felony murder in a home burglary gone wrong, tried, convicted sentenced. Home burglary gone wrong him to 10 years unjustly charge an sentence for each of those boys for... Gun then it would have been charged with murder are sealed off by the Annie E. Foundation. S Place exactly what Im going to fight for Laymans justice is finally over, said Debbie McQueen Laymans.