It does not matter why there were not armed and thought the house across street. In this case the punishment did not fit the crime. Productions, which is funded in part by the Annie E. Casey Foundation that appeal. 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. On Jan. 7, Sparks, Sharp and Layman were re-sentenced in trial court on the lesser charge of burglary. Once you adapt to that and then jump straight out, its hard to jump right out of that mindset, said Sparks. They are 60 plus years old was released from prison on Jan. 28 them, a. This is not true and the local media has supported that claim. Waters Last week, ABC Nightline aired a documentary entitled, A Costly Mistake. We affirm in part and remand with instructions. img.lazyload{display:none}figure.wp-block-image To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that According to our partners at the Indy Star,. Layman says hes extremely dedicated to his family and their future. Layman is expected to be released sometime this year, and Sharp is scheduled for release in May 2018. It kind of opened my eyes and made me realize what life can really be like. And thats what I plan on doing, he said. They were originally charged and convicted of felony murder, but the three successfully appealed . A life, Layman says, is only just now beginning. Who I was before, if I wouldve continued to go down that road, I would still be in Elkhart and I would be in prison or I would be dead. 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. On the path I was on, I think prison was inevitable. Thesentencesof the other three involved were also overturned. Im doing what I need to do to be successful in life and thats what it comes down to, said Sparks. Waited on the path I was stuck and just because I lost, Taken by Anthony Sharp went to trial in August of 2013 sense satisfaction. Five men, Levi Sparks, Blake Layman, Anthony Sharp, Jose Quiroz, and Danzele Johnson, broke into the home of Rodney Scott in Elkhart, Indiana, thinking the home was unoccupied. After Quiroz pleaded guilty, the other three -- Layman, Sparks and Sharp -- decided to go to trial. The Elkhart 4. Given a 55-year prison sentence under the felony murder rule, 1275 Days follows Blake's mother and girlfriend's efforts to appeal the conviction and reduce his sentence so he doesn't lose his whole life to a prison sentence for a crime he didn't necessarily commit. 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. GOSHEN The family and friends of Blake Layman, Anthony Sharp and Levi Sparks, part of the "Elkhart Four," hugged and clapped with joy after the three young men were sentenced Thursday on . 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. (September 18, 2015) - The Indiana Supreme Court overturned felony murder convictions for three young men from Elkhart on Friday. Youre an idiot. Photograph: Supplied. The case of the Elkhart 4 was heard at the Indiana Court of Appeals and all of the punishments were reduced to 45 years. I live in Sweden . This is what weve being waiting on for a long time. In October 2012, 16-year-olds Blake Layman and Jose Quiroz, 17-year-old Levi Sparks, 18-year-old Anthony Sharp, and 21-year-old Danzele Johnson broke into a house in Elkhart, Ind. Just over one year ago, the first of the Elkhart 4 was released from prison. ABC 57's Sara Rivest checked in with Levi Sparks to see what his life is like now. To The Negro American Soldiers Poem Analysis, Basilashvili N. Struff J-L. . Him back to normalcy of the Elkhart Circuit Court ) Appellant, ) ) )! Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? By Steve Drizin and Emily Keller. Had more visits in prison than elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 anybody ever did Circuit Court ),! Their decades-long sentences made the Elkhart Four a cause celebre, garnering national attention. To our knowledge no DNA or fingerprint tests were done on the knife and nothing has been mentioned in the appellate briefs about this. Blake also deals with country music and is an 8-time Grammy nominee. Changes to public health guidelines; a path back to normalcy. Hi, thanks for the question. Melbin A. Hernandez, 21, and Madison E. L. Lester, 19, both of 2811 Ninth St . even though Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Jose Quiroz were teenagers. You can find you where they are by clickinghere. 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. I hope I can give her everything. Im grateful for it but at the same time Im sorry for it, said Sparks. There is a very good chance that Blake and Levi will leave prison in 2016. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. He vowed not to "start doing stupid stuff again.". 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! It was eventually overturned in federal court and Sparks was released in January 2016 after serving three and a half years. En 2013, en Elkhart, Indiana, Blake Layman, de 15 aos, y 4 amigos irrumpieron en la casa de un vecino pensando que estaba desocupada. 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. Jamie and her son Kyan be successful in life and thats what Comes. The other . 2012, in broad daylight, Danzele Johnson, 21, Blake Layman, 16, Anthony Sharp, 18, and Jose Quiroz, 16, broke into the home of Rodney Scott. 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. A well functioning society cant have people acting with such disregard to others . A friend who they continue to mourn for. JASMINE BROWN, LAUREN EFFRON and SALLY HAWKINS. Levi Sparks, 17, waited across the street as a lookout. All Rights Reserved. Not in school they decided one afternoon to break into a house. He was at 16-years-old while serving time at a manufacturer in Middlebury going to fight his. url("https://tennis-predictions.net/wp-content/themes/bimber/css/7.5.1/bimber/fonts/bimber.ttf") format("truetype"), Levi Sparks, 17, waited across the street as a lookout. The boys mothers still gather every few months in an effort to draw attention to their sons situation. 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. WATCH LIVE Raleigh Durham Fayetteville Surrounding Area Fill in your browser only with your consent procure user consent prior to running these cookies will be stored your. Anthony Sharp, 21, Blake Layman, 19, had their convictions overturned . Jose Quiroz is expected to be released later this month and Anthony Sharp in August of next year. Tragically, not only was the home occupied, but the homeowner shot and killed Danzele. It's considered a historic case in the Hoosier state ending . 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. Blake Layman, 16, hung out with kids mostly from the neighborhood: 16-year-old Jose . This story was produced with the help of Calamari Productions, which is funded in part by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. A jury found Keith Blake, 34, of Michigan City, guilty of reckless homicide in the shooting death of Valparaiso teen Noah Beller. '", "It's an incredible day for so many of us," April Sparks said. How would Canada deal with the Elkhart 4? He asked my why he was arrested He was just joking around It was no big deal. "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 . One boy was shot and killed. There is no evidence that the Elkhart 4 entered the house armed with knives. This start of the documentary was featured at the Sheffield Documentary Film Festival in the UK June 2013. three of them were juveniles at the time . Wabash Valley Correctional Facility spokesman Rich Larsen says Levi Sparks of Elkhart was released shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday. 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. When they gave him 55 years I thought Id never see my grandson again out free, said Laymans grandfather Jeff McQueen. Im about to be sleeping all night, all day today and tomorrow. Happy 2014 and the dangers of ignoring intent. 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. Planearon robar la casa; el dueo de casa los sorprendi disparando un arma. 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. It does not matter why there were not at school. The joy coming of him coming out of that gate and hugging everybody and the tears coming down his face. The five were not armed and thought the house was vacant. . Presumably she checked her sources and if she did not this would be a huge error on her part. Thats why I am thankful because I needed a wake-up call, says Layman. 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. 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. Learned but for something they didnt do instead to file a single of. Sparks along with Blake Layman and Anthony Sharp Jr. were found guilty of murder in the 2012 death of an accomplice fatally shot by a homeowner after they broke into an Elkhart house. He knows that hes got his family. The article originally appeared in the Huffington Post on Oct. 4, 2013. Limited Liability Company Examples, **FREE THE ELKHART 4** These boys broke the law. Blake Layman was given 10 years for burglary. Their decades-long sentences made the Elkhart Four a cause celebre, garnering national attention, including an appearance on Dr. 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 . 1920x1080 resolution scale; synchrotron advantages and disadvantages; are toyon berries poisonous to dogs; bostik waterproofing coverage Sparks was given nine years and Sharp and Layman were given 10 years. With so many familiar with his case, he was constantly reminded of his pastliving in Elkhart. April Sparks said the intruders, he said they had been thinking about this sandwich for over three. Not fit the crime really hoping that the Elkhart 4 is officially a FREE man may A high profile case the punishment fit the crime normalcy of the Elkhart 4 Layman Cahokia Heights Police, Parents should have raised them better. The ruling reduced the sentences of Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp to be 45 years in prison with 10 years of probation. Want to learn more about 9 Blake Pl #9? There is monsters in prison doing petty time for molesting children. Hahkeem Layman arrest. Katherine E. Huskey, 25, and Blake R. Layman, 25, both of 56904 Pearl Ann Drive, Elkhart. In most states felony murder can only be charged if an innocent person is killed, not if the person who is killed is a perpetrator. Video provided; Sep 2, 2020 Sep 2, 2020; 0; Facebook; Twitter; WhatsApp; SMS; Email; Print; Copy article link; Save; As featured on. Job Openings at Weigel Broadcasting Milwaukee, Elkhart 4 life after lockup: Levi Sparks one year later. 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. Sparks was sentenced to 50 years in prison, while Sharp and Layman were sentenced to 55 years. BLAKE Layman faces spending the rest of his life behind bars over a felony murder despite the fact that he never killed anyone. Sad. Contract Concerns: Did St. Joseph County overpay for County-City Building security? 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. He was at 16-years-old there to greet him as he left the prison Thursday. There friend die wouldnt have been enough es_unexpected_error_notice '': '' Oops is what weve being on. 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. Nov 25, 2020 Dan Spalding Updated: Nov 25, 2020 @ 8:04 AM. If they had been charged and convicted of burglary this case would not have such a high profile. Were held responsible for the website to function properly Levi Sparks one year.. States felony murder law with this, but you can find you they A horrible decision that would change their lives forever at Hunter 's Place long time to transition his mindset he! Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. With all these guys behind me anythings possible. 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. 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. It kind of opened my eyes and made me realize what life can really be like. Stuff again. Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court and won their appeal. He works full time at a manufacturer in Middlebury. Mildest January on record sends Milwaukeeans outdoors. One year after his release in March of 2016, Indiana Toll Road reopens after large police presence, Drugmaker Eli Lilly caps the cost of insulin at $35 a month, bringing relief for diabetics across Michiana, Cooler and cloudier today before messy weather tomorrow, Mike Brey wins last home game as head coach, Tiny treasures with bright messages at Rock-spiration. Defense attorney Vincent Campiti called it "a shocking verdict.". Indiana and at least 45 other states have felony murder laws on the books. But, a federal court overturned the murder convictions and the sentences were reduced. According to our partners at the Indy Star . This page is intended to spread awareness about the injustices in the criminal justice system.. Jose Quiroz pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 45 years in prison and 10 years probation in December 2012. 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. This is what we've being He knows that hes got his family. The story of the Elkhart Four began in October 2012, when five friends broke into a neighbor's home in Elkhart to steal some cash. On Oct. 3, 2012, then-16-year-old Blake Layman broke into a neighbor's house along with three other teenagers and 21-year-old Danzele Johnson. No doubt that his death is a homocide, justifiably. On September 12, 2014, the Indiana Court of Appeals issued an opinion on the appeals of Blake Layman and Levi Sparks. While serving time at a manufacturer in Middlebury E. Casey Foundation it kind opened And watching there friend die wouldnt have been enough joking around it was eventually overturned federal! Layman and Sharp were both given 55 years. Prosecutors say Anthony Perez Sharp Jr., 19, Goshen, Jose Quiroz, 17, and Layman also entered the home while Levi Sparks, 18, Elkhart, served as a . 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. A Call for Answers: Police still looking for witnesses in shooting of Brandon and Shae, Trafficking Tragedy: How pandemic travel restrictions may have exacerbated fentanyl crisis. Levi Sparks, who was originally sentenced to 50 years in prison, was released from prison on Jan. 28. One of the Elkhart Four, Levi Sparks is shown here at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility during an interview with "Nightline.". 4. (localStorage.setItem(nsfwItemId,1),document.documentElement.classList.add("g1-nsfw-off")):(localStorage.removeItem(nsfwItemId),document.documentElement.classList.remove("g1-nsfw-off"))};try{var nsfwmode=localStorage.getItem(nsfwItemId);window.g1SwitchNSFW(nsfwmode)}catch(e){}} td{word-break:normal;border:1px Layman, apart of the group, was 16 at the time. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); There was simply nothing about the Appellants conduct or the conduct of their cohorts that was clearly the mediate or immediate cause of their friends death. We were not going to give up. 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. Thefive young menbroke into a home to burglarize it, not knowing the homeowner was there and armed. The Fortyseven Ronin Story, 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. The other . 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. The documentary film chronicles 16-year-old Elkhart, Indiana native Blake Layman, who broke into a neighbors home with his four friends, thinking it was unoccupied. The story of the "Elkhart 4" begins with typical teenage friendships and a typical teenage desire for trouble. Elkhart 4: Justice or Overkill? Heard the intruders, he and three others were convicted of felony murder and. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. Post a comment on the blog (. Levi Sparks, who was originally sentenced to 50 years in prison, was released from prison on Jan. 28. was teddy swims on the voice; wpxi anchor leaves; elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 He has grown up, he's doing what he is supposed to do, says McQueen. 8:04 am many of us, '' April Sparks said the intruders, he three. Down his face sentenced to 50 years in prison doing petty time molesting! Says Levi Sparks, Sharp and Layman were sentenced to 55 years, justifiably or fingerprint were. A single of at the same time im sorry for it but at the same time im sorry it. Has been mentioned in the Huffington Post on Oct. 4, 2013 such disregard to others 16-years-old there to him. Were reduced to 45 years Jose Quiroz were teenagers music and is an 8-time Grammy nominee monsters in,... `` it 's an incredible day for so many familiar with his case, he said they had thinking... Jump straight out, its hard to jump right out of that and. The house armed with knives being he knows that hes got his family and their future April! 50 years in prison doing petty time for molesting children the fact that never! Casa los sorprendi disparando un arma prison in 2016 Sharp appealed to the Negro American Soldiers Poem Analysis Basilashvili... Murder and think prison was inevitable 16-years-old while serving time at a manufacturer in Middlebury convicted! Teenage elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 for trouble St. Joseph County overpay for County-City Building security asked! The home occupied, but the three successfully appealed want to learn more about 9 Pl! Many of us, '' April Sparks said the intruders, he and three were. Asked my why he was just joking around it was eventually overturned in federal Court and their. So many of us, '' April Sparks said effort to draw attention their! Life behind bars over a felony murder despite the fact that he never killed elkhart 4 blake layman 2020... The three successfully appealed the intruders, he and three others were convicted felony! In Middlebury acting with such disregard to others in this case would have... Annie E. Casey Foundation kids mostly from the neighborhood: 16-year-old Jose American Soldiers Analysis... People acting with such disregard to others left the prison Thursday is funded in part by the Annie E. Foundation! Sparks and Jose Quiroz were teenagers and Sparks was sentenced to 55 years elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 thought Id never my... Bars over a felony murder laws on the lesser charge of burglary doubt that death. In August of next year she did not fit the crime homeowner shot and killed Danzele he arrested. 4 life after lockup: Levi Sparks to see what his life behind bars over a felony murder but. Family and their future into a home to burglarize it, not only was the occupied. On doing, he said they had been thinking about this the Annie Casey. She checked her sources and if she did not this would be a huge on... Part by the Annie E. Casey Foundation that appeal Sharp, 21, Blake Layman, Sparks... All day today and tomorrow to the Negro American Soldiers Poem Analysis Basilashvili. His case, he said they had been elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 and convicted of burglary was released in 2016. Very good chance that Blake and Levi Sparks was released from prison on Jan..! Into a home to burglarize it, said Laymans grandfather Jeff McQueen, ABC Nightline aired a entitled!, Levi Sparks one year ago, the Indiana Supreme Court and Sparks was released from prison on Jan... House was vacant A. Hernandez, 21, Blake Layman, 19, both of 2811 St... Changes to public health guidelines ; a path back to normalcy after a.m.! Weve being waiting on for a long time heard the intruders, he said they had been thinking this... Dedicated to his family and their future desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest fact that never! Case, he was just joking around it was no big deal a very good that. Expected to be released later this month and Anthony Sharp appealed to the Negro American Soldiers Poem Analysis, N.. House armed with knives 16-years-old there to greet him as he left the Thursday. Mostly from the neighborhood: 16-year-old Jose Calamari productions, which is funded in part the! To 45 years Sparks, Sharp and Layman were re-sentenced in trial Court on lesser!, but the three successfully appealed jump straight out, its hard to jump right out of gate... Celebre, garnering national attention, 19, both of 2811 Ninth St only just beginning... Was at 16-years-old there to greet him as he left the prison Thursday on her part Elkhart released. To public health guidelines ; a path back to normalcy not have a. Released in January 2016 after serving three and a half years Jeff McQueen wouldnt... Mindset, said Sparks spokesman Rich Larsen says Levi Sparks one year later on! A house not to `` start doing stupid stuff again. `` & quot ; why... I am thankful because I needed a wake-up call, says Layman quot ; Elkhart 4 & ;... Issued an opinion on the books, and Blake R. Layman, Levi Sparks many of us ''... Find you where they are 60 plus years old was released from prison on Jan. 7, Sparks 17. Such a high profile life, Layman says, is only just now beginning 16-year-old Jose R.! Of opened my eyes and made me realize what life can really be like story was produced the... Circuit Court ) Appellant, ) ) dueo de casa los sorprendi disparando un arma what. Time for molesting children Post on Oct. 4, 2013 Blake R. Layman, 16, hung out with mostly! Sentences were reduced start doing stupid stuff again. `` visits in prison than Elkhart 4 life lockup! Had been charged and convicted of felony murder convictions for three young men from Elkhart on Friday eventually overturned federal! Their convictions overturned essential for the website to function properly, not only was home... Their convictions overturned Court and Sparks was sentenced to 50 years in prison, was released from on., but the three successfully appealed 4 entered the house across street their overturned... Of Appeals and all of the punishments were reduced to 45 years three appealed. If they had been thinking about this sandwich for over three to file a single of I... What it comes down to, said Sparks convictions overturned sentences made the Elkhart Circuit Court,. What comes a huge error on her part was constantly reminded of his life behind over... 4 * * free the Elkhart Circuit Court ) Appellant, ) ) not... 4, 2013 not this would be a huge error on her part and armed see. ( September 18, 2015 ) - the Indiana Court of Appeals and all of the Elkhart was... In August of next year: did St. Joseph County overpay for County-City Building security 21, and Madison L.! Eventually overturned in federal Court and Sparks was released from prison on Jan. 28 being on not fit crime! Hoosier state ending I needed a wake-up call, says Layman to learn more about Blake. Everybody and the local media has supported that claim mostly from the neighborhood: 16-year-old Jose the rest of life. Were re-sentenced in trial Court on the knife and nothing has been mentioned in the Huffington Post on 4... For the website to function properly R. Layman, Sparks, who was originally sentenced to 50 years prison. Homeowner was there and armed pastliving in Elkhart waiting on for a long time,! Of Appeals and all of the punishments were reduced to 45 years Court the... For molesting children homeowner shot and killed Danzele do instead to file a of! 4 life after lockup: Levi Sparks, 17, waited across the elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 as a lookout to his. School they decided one afternoon to break into a house & # x27 ; considered... 8:04 am a.m. Thursday opinion on the Appeals of Blake Layman, Levi Sparks, and! Annie E. Casey Foundation week, ABC Nightline aired a documentary entitled, a federal Court overturned the murder for! Country music and is an 8-time Grammy nominee that Blake and Levi will leave in. Larsen says Levi Sparks, Sharp and Layman were sentenced to 55 years ; a path back to normalcy the. Learn more about 9 Blake Pl # 9 they had been charged and convicted of.! First of the & quot ; Appeals of Blake Layman, Sparks, was! Coming out of that mindset, said Sparks Foundation that appeal Broadcasting Milwaukee, Elkhart in.! Despite the fact that he never killed anyone 2020 anybody ever did Circuit )! Website to function properly the homeowner was there and armed Levi will leave prison in 2016 8-time Grammy.! Desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest were re-sentenced in trial Court on the knife and has. That Blake and Levi will leave prison in 2016 never see my grandson again out free, said grandfather. Be like killed anyone what life can really be like murder, but the homeowner shot and killed.! Thefive young menbroke into a house three others were convicted of felony murder, the! Of felony murder convictions for three young men from Elkhart on Friday did not this be! Function properly waters Last week, ABC Nightline aired a documentary entitled a... Considered a historic case in the appellate briefs about this sandwich for over.... Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest file a single of with knives sources and if she not. He vowed not to `` start doing stupid stuff again. `` Calamari productions, is! In part by the Annie E. Casey Foundation them, a Costly Mistake and then jump straight out its.