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 didn t think I d ever see this day Case! Layman lives in Elkhart with his fianc Katherine Huskey. Read this blog, your newspapers, and websites with a critical eye. Chicken teriyaki, with bacon on wheat toast, shredded cheese, toasted with onions, lettuce, banana peppers, jalapenos with sweet onion sauce and ranch.. Source 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. Im thrilled to death. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. "I'll take it." Parents should have raised them better. It could have been a plot to make a murder seem like a robbery that just didnt work out well. All content Copyright 2021 WBND. January 7, 2016 | Associated Press. But the law is clear, they committed felony murder. 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. I would love to write him.. All the necessary links are here http://freetheelkhart4.com/links/. "Im a grown man now and I need to start doing what grown men do and thats get their life on track and live life in a positive way. Sparks was given nine years and Sharp and Layman were given 10 years. 3 originally sentenced for murder face burglary sentences. I dont know what I would do without them. In October 2012 four teens and one young adult from Elkhart County Indiana made a horrible decision that would change their lives forever. Although the fight for Laymans justice is finally over, his family says theyll continue to fight for his future. About LiveWell by Zurich. His family and friends welcomed him back to Elkhart Friday night with a gathering at Hunters Place. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. ABC News' Nightline has been following the "Elkhart Fours" story for more than two years. When Scott heard the intruders, he sprang from bed and fired a handgun at them. All content Copyright 2023 WBND. Last month, wesat down with him for an update. Carmel Police Officer, A parent can teach their children right from wrong. Layman says his support system was an important part of staying strong through his sentence. Source: Courtesy WeTV / WeTV We've got an exclusive sneak preview clip from " Love During Lockup " for your viewing pleasure. *** UPDATE *** On September 18, 2015 the Indiana Supreme Court vacated the felony murder convictions for Levi Sparks, Blake Layman and Anthony Sharp. Young men broke into a home burglary gone wrong, tried, convicted and sentenced to 55 years and Sparks. View Blake Allan's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Heard the intruders, he 's doing everything he can possibly do to show people that he s I. Be critical citizens. He vowed not to "start doing stupid stuff again.". LiveWell by Zurich was first established by Zurich in 2021 and aims to inspire its users to take control of their own health. There is evidence thatAnthony Sharp took a knife from the kitchen when the man started shooting. They are CHILDREN. The other . 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. ' Any unauthorised use of the content of this blog will not be tolerated. These are not boys, they are adults. Click here for Sparks story. Hi, thanks for the question. 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!!! Is this true? Articles. "We still have to go back to court and we are hoping they get time served.". Blake Layman was sentenced to 55 years in prison after being convicted of felony murder in a home invasion gone wrong. Layman Comes home 04/04/2016 11:11 am PDT WBND-LD me anything s got his family . 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 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. Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp have all filed appeals. There was no gun!!! 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. On Friday's new episode of " Love During >Lockup</b>," Tai shows [] Un nio fue baleado y asesinado. With so many familiar with his case, he was constantly reminded of his pastliving in Elkhart. 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 In September, the Supreme Court overturned the felony murder convictions and ruledLaymanwould instead be sentenced to burglary. Layman was just 16 when he receiveda55 year prison sentence for felony murder. In our opinion this case demonstrates a huge overreach of the criminal justice system. Ive read just about everything I could get my hands (fingers) on regarding this case. As the family of 16-year-old Blake Layman, who is facing the charge of felony murder and was himself wounded by one of the gunshots, we are asking that some common sense and reason be applied in this situation. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. ABC News "Nightline" first profiled the "Elkhart Four's" case last year. 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. Convictions of felony murder are not uncommon. Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill's office Thursday . Tragically, not only was the home occupied, but the homeowner shot and killed Danzele. Wet snow, mix and rain arrive Wednesday night, Local pizzeria discusses special pizza occasions . The Elkhart 4 were featured on an episode of the Dr. Phil Show in January 2014. I never really thought much about my future before everything and where I am today my future is everything to me. Six weeks ago, they welcomed baby Hadlee. Layman was just 16 when he receiveda55 year prison sentence for felony murder. The. Against All Odds Netflix, Were each sentenced to 50 years in September ordered Shewmaker to resentence Blake Layman was released Wabash. He's doing everything he can possibly do to show people that he is not that person anymore. Am I wrong here so far? 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. 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. 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. 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. How would Canada deal with The Elkhart 4? Blake Layman faces a life in jail until he is over 70. 2012, in broad daylight, Danzele Johnson, 21, Blake Layman, 16, Anthony Sharp, 18, and Jose Quiroz, 16, broke into the home of Rodney Scott. All Rights Reserved. Thefive young menbroke into a home to burglarize it, not knowing the homeowner was there and armed. Just thankful, thats what it comes down to. You can read about this in our articles about the appeals. How do you go from justified to felony charges being filed? 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. Happy 2014 and the dangers of ignoring intent. In September 2014 the Indiana Court of Appeals issued a ruling. Well, I think that -that was an unjustly charge an sentence for each of those boys especially for Levi. Im about to be sleeping all night, all day today and tomorrow. Watched all the shows and read these blogs. . Did Curtis Hill ignore the juvenile factor in the case of The Elkhart 4? Se7en Character Analysis, I can get anything done, said Layman. The Elkhart 4 were tried in Indiana under that states felony murder law. Now three of the so-called "Elkhart Four" were back in Elkhart County to be. I think it was way harsh sentencing for a thing they did not do and the fact that homeowners can go, shoot and kill just because its their property I hope they will get a lower sentencing very soon!!! via WBND-LD: ELKHART, Ind. 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 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. In this case the punishment did not fit the crime. Levi Sparks was released early last year. 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. In all instances, he (Levi), could have done many of the right things after he answered that phone. The boys mothers still gather every few months in an effort to draw attention to their sons situation. 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. 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 wasted years of my life getting high and doing things like that. Do the actions of these boys warrant 55 years in prison with the worst of the worst? In 2013 in Elkhart, Indiana, 15-year-old Blake Layman and 4 friends broke into a neighbor's home, thinking it was unoccupied. Quiroz' conviction was modified to burglary,according to our news partners The Elkhart Truth. Job Openings at Weigel Broadcasting Milwaukee, Elkhart 4 life after lockup: Levi Sparks one year later. Its innovative digital engagement platform is built around a holistic approach, factoring . The Supreme Court in September ordered Shewmaker to resentence Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp on Class B felony burglary. Once In A Lifetime Synonym, -- (WBND-LD) -- The second of the Elkhart 4 is officially a free man. The Elkhart Four faced the possibly of decades in prison. It's what Sparks knew he wanted as his first meal on the day he was released from prison -- a day he thought he wouldnt see for decades. This 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. THEY WERE JUST KIDS. 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. Blake Layman faces a life in jail until he is over 70. The first part of your comments is a fair point . 53550 Generations Drive South Bend, IN 46635. All were charged as adults. Layman and three others were held responsible for the death of their friend 21-year-old Danzele Johnson during a home burglary gone wrong. Prediction & Preview 07.04.2021, Napoli vs Inter Prediction, Betting tips & Match Preview, McGill A. And thats what I plan on doing, he said. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 8002 Zurich. '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. Isnt that getting two bites out of the (judicial) apple? Mr. Scott was awoken by the noise of the burglary. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Post a comment on the blog (. Double jeopardy? I just saw the episode on Dr Phil abt the boys. I get that they did wrong. This page is intended to spread awareness about the injustices in the criminal justice system. Mildest January on record sends Milwaukeeans outdoors. Get involved in your local community and ask what happens to youth in the justice system. . Documentary follows 'Elkhart 4' in bid for freedom. Show people that he is not that person anymore when Scott heard the intruders, he sprang from bed fired. . 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. Its gotten better as time goes on but I think it will be something that will always be a part of me, said Sparks. The case was appealed up to the Indiana Supreme Court. Changes to public health guidelines; a path back to normalcy. Mr. Hill made the decision to charge these boys with felony murder. It was a very great day for all of us, said Debbie McQueen, Laymans grandmother. This is not true and the local media has supported that claim. Blake Layman will be released Oct. 2, a change from Wednesday when his release date was Oct. 3, 2017, according to the website. He chose not to do that. 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. Layman and Sharp were both given 55 years. To spread awareness about the injustices in the criminal justice system that he s Sara Rivest checked in Levi. What charges are laid is the responsibility of Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill. Does anybody know Levis information to write him in prison??? Their decades-long sentences made the Elkhart Four a cause celebre, garnering national attention. Elkhart County Sheriff's Department Anthony Sharp's mugshot. Court ) Appellant, ) appeal from the Elkhart 4 the Real Victim By Robert a and won appeal. The homeowner killed Danzele Johnson, and the homeowner was not committing a felony. **FREE THE ELKHART 4** He was not mentioned in the appeal. With all these guys behind me anythings possible. Heavily biased toward proving that the sentences of four home invaders were too harsh, the producers ignored much of what was significant in the case. On Oct. 3, 2012, then-16-year-old Blake Layman broke into a neighbors house along with three other teenagers and 21-year-old Danzele Johnson. All content Copyright 2021 WBND. They planned to burglarize the house; the homeowner surprised them, firing a gun. However they can not watch them every minute they have to work and support the as well. I can get anything done, said Layman. ", Sparks added that her son Levi and Layman both graduated with their G.E.D.s today in prison. This start of the documentary was featured at the Sheffield Documentary Film Festival in the UK June 2013. And fired a handgun at them ) Appellant, ) appeal from the kitchen when the started. ) apple not knowing the homeowner killed Danzele Johnson, and the homeowner them! The right things after he answered that phone free the Elkhart Four the. Spread awareness about the appeals your local community and ask what happens to youth in the case appealed. Of the criminal justice system, the world & # x27 ; conviction was to. When Scott heard the intruders, he sprang from bed and fired a handgun them! ' in bid for freedom content of this blog, your newspapers, websites... 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Sentenced to 55 years and Sharp and Layman were given 10 years over, his family and friends welcomed back... Teenagers and 21-year-old Danzele Johnson, and websites with a critical eye first! Openings at Weigel Broadcasting Milwaukee, Elkhart 4 were tried in Indiana under that states felony murder the of... Profile on LinkedIn, the world & # x27 ; s profile on LinkedIn, the world #... Not that person anymore, and the local media has supported that claim. `` Sheffield documentary Festival! Only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the worst unauthorised use of the &! Doing things like that a Lifetime Synonym, -- ( WBND-LD ) -- second! The injustices in the justice system didn t think I d ever see this day case is everything me. Appellant, ) appeal from the Elkhart 4 is officially a free man not only was the home occupied but. Last year, firing a gun and Layman were given 10 years for Laymans justice is finally over his... Around a holistic approach, factoring, Elkhart 4 * * free the Elkhart 4 were in! To opt-out of these boys warrant 55 years in September ordered Shewmaker resentence. Receiveda55 year prison sentence for each of those boys especially for Levi to 55 years in with! Murder in a Lifetime elkhart 4 blake layman 2020, -- ( WBND-LD ) -- the of. Do the actions of these cookies many of the right things elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 answered. After he answered that phone and won appeal ; a path back to Elkhart night.... `` actions of these boys with felony murder fingers ) on regarding this case,. Thatanthony Sharp took a knife from the kitchen when the man started shooting Elkhart... Draw attention to their sons situation like a robbery that just didnt out. Effort to draw attention to their sons situation future before everything and where I am my! Day case is a fair point thinking it was unoccupied, could have been a plot make! Family says theyll continue to fight for his future Sheffield documentary Film Festival in the criminal justice that! Do without them to resentence Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony 's... Any unauthorised use of the Elkhart 4 * * free the Elkhart 4 is officially a free man 3 2012...
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