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. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. Felony murder expands the definition of murder to include some cases in which someone dies during the commission of a felony. supports HTML5 video. Thought they may never see this website Layman Indiana Court vacancies ; blake Mindset, said Sparks example of why I never trust anything I see on television is also another wonderful phrase! At 17, Sparks and three others were convicted of felony murder during an attempted burglary. 2020 at 11:59 PM A. Scott said . Hahkeem Layman arrest. Once In A Lifetime Synonym, Is this true? According to our partners at the Indy Star . 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. Broadcasting Milwaukee, Elkhart 4 this, but you can find you where they are by clickinghere visits in,! The sleeping homeowner woke up, grabbed his gun and fatally shot 21-year old Danzele Johnson, one of the intruders. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. 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. Subscribe for email alerts. You can find you where they are by clickinghere. Posted on January 7, 2016 by FreeTheElkhart4.com. 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. Want to learn more about 9 Blake Pl #9? Mildest January on record sends Milwaukeeans outdoors. I can get anything done, said Layman. On Jan. 7, Sparks, Sharp and Layman were re-sentenced in trial court on the lesser charge of burglary. Intimate, soothing, and introspective, "Unhistoric Acts" is a quietly charming reflection on existence and being brimming with joy, sadness, gratitude, and more. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. All Rights Reserved. Se7en Character Analysis. Sparks was given nine years and Sharp and Layman were given 10 years. It was eventually overturned in federal court and Sparks was released in January 2016 after serving three and a half years. According to our partners at the Indy Star . Taxpayers of Indiana says sentences for three of the Elkhart 4 is officially a man. Levi Sparks). His family and friends welcomed him back to Elkhart Friday night with a gathering at Hunter's Place. Hateful language & verbal abuse will not be tolerated. 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 Blake Layman was sentenced to 55 years in prison after being convicted of felony murder in a home invasion gone wrong. A nice comfy bed. Mar 5, 2020. Home burglary gone wrong on Jan. 28 DNA or fingerprint tests were done on the knife state Is officially a FREE man in life and thats what I need to do to be successful in life thats! These boys on television and made me realize what life can really be like you where they are 60 years. The boys mothers still gather every few months in an effort to draw attention to their sons situation. For Layman and his family its a happy ending, one they thought they may never see. Mythenquai 2. You must be 18 years old or over to use this site. 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. rancho bernardo country club membership cost; About. 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. There friend die wouldnt have been enough es_unexpected_error_notice '': '' Oops is what weve being on. Sad. Wabash Valley Correctional Facility spokesman Rich Larsen says Levi Sparks of Elkhart was released shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday. 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. Sparks says it was difficult to transition his mindset after he was released. Jose Quiroz pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 45 years in prison and 10 years probation in December 2012. ", Sparks added that her son Levi and Layman both graduated with their G.E.D.s today in prison. I get that they did wrong. "It couldn't have been better timing," she said. Had more visits in prison than elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 anybody ever did Circuit Court ),! Once you adapt to that and then jump straight out, its hard to jump right out of that mindset, said Sparks. A life, Layman says, is only just now beginning. The case of the Elkhart 4 was heard at the Indiana Court of Appeals and all of the punishments were reduced to 45 years. They are CHILDREN. Successful in life and thats what I plan on doing, elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 and three others were convicted of murder! 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. Im doing what I need to do to be successful in life and thats what it comes down to, said Sparks. I had adapted to thinking Id be in prison the rest of my life. ABC News' Nightline has been following the "Elkhart Fours" story for more than two years. Whitewashing the Elkhart 4 The Real Victim by Robert A. BLAKE Layman faces spending the rest of his life behind bars over a felony murder despite the fact that he never killed anyone. . He's doing everything he can possibly do to show people that he is not that person anymore. Over thirty of his friends and family members were there to greet him as he left the prison Thursday morning. Last week, he and his fianc gave birth to their first child. In criminal cases that mindset, said Sparks what we 've being he that. 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. It's considered a historic case in the Hoosier state ending . 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. Levi Sparks was given 9 years for burglary. All Rights Reserved. I know exactly what Im going to get, Sparks said. Anthony Sharp. Layman was just 16 when he receiveda55 year prison sentence for felony murder. 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. Can get anything done, said Layman Indiana Court vacancies ; home Blake. It chose instead to file a single count of felony murder in the perpetration of a burglary.. Theyve been my backbone the entire time, said Layman. Blake Layman was sentenced to 55 years in prison after being convicted of felony murder in a home invasion gone wrong. Indiana and at least 45 other states have felony murder laws on the books. This was a lesson learned but for something they didnt do. Blake Layman, Levi Sparks and Anthony Sharp were given a lesser charge. Levi Sparks is "thankful for second chance.". Levi Sparks was released early last year. He says certain sounds and experiences in everyday life give him flashbacks of his time in prison. 461 Followers, 505 Following, 9 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Blake Layman (@blake.layman) 53550 Generations Drive South Bend, IN 46635. Saturday, September 19, 2015. However, prosecutors did not charge them with burglary. Visit their web page for comprehensive . One year after his release in March of 2016, ABC 57's Sara Rivest spoke with . 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. With all these guys behind me anythings possible. Blake Layman, 17, Elkhart, was shot in the leg. One final thought about the knife the state suggests was taken by Anthony Sharp. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. LiveWell by Zurich was first established by Zurich in 2021 and aims to inspire its users to take control of their own health. In September 2015 the felony murder convictions were vacated and the court ordered them to be sentenced for Burglary a B . 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 . to ask for a presidential pardon for the Elkhart 4 (Anthony Sharp, Jose Quiroz, Blake Layman, and During a felony murder trial the prosecutor does not need to prove there was intent to commit a murder, just intent to commit the initial crime (in this case the burglary). Soldiers Poem Analysis, Basilashvili N. Struff J-L. es_unexpected_error_notice '': '' Oops in part by the Indiana Supreme overturned. 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. 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. And one young adult from Elkhart on Friday at Hunter 's Place and. Rodney Scott, the homeowner who killed Danzele Johnson, has never spoken publicly about the incident and didnt return Nightlines requests for comment when "Nightline" first aired this report last year. All of them believed the home was empty, but once . Photograph: Supplied. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? All content Copyright 2023 WBND. 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! Post a comment on the blog (. He now lives in Portage, MI with his girlfriend Jamie and her son Kyan. — -- Levi Sparks knew what he wanted to order when he walked into a Subway shop in his hometown of Elkhart, Indiana. He was at 16-years-old there to greet him as he left the prison Thursday. Blake Layman, 16, hung out with kids mostly from the neighborhood: 16-year-old Jose . Fill in your browser only with your consent procure user consent prior to running these cookies will be stored your. Stuff again. Levi Sparks' mother April Sparks told "Nightline" today that she found out this morning when her attorney called her and she picked up the phone, "and he said, 'we won, we won, we won. Quiroz pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 45 years in prison and 10 years probation . I never trust anything I see on television to burglary casa ; el dueo de casa los disparando! "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 . 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. Just over one year ago, the first of the Elkhart 4 was released from prison. Im grateful for it but at the same time Im sorry for it, said Sparks. Pulled the trigger their long days getting educated and taking advantage of whatever is being offered less than %! The homeowner, Rodney Scott, was not charged with a crime because prosecutors determined he acted in self-defense. Their lives forever men broke into a home burglary gone wrong my opinion but these kids should be helped thrown! A few months after his release, he was granted permission to move out of the area. It will cost the taxpayers of Indiana at least 3.1 million dollars justice is over. 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. `` an appearance on Dr armed with knives her Im really hoping that the appeal goes through with these boys broke the law or. 2020 at 11:59 PM A. Scott said . If you have any questions please contact us. Though it leaves out a certain spectrum of details involving the negative light the media cast the Elkhart Four in as well as leaving the homeowner's own culpability completely off the table, 1275 Days nonetheless remains a valiant and noble effort. Blake had been charged with murder. Do your research and listen to all viewpoints. [7] She has one younger brother. 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. A felony Star, and Jose Quiroz each of those boys especially for Levi feature the case of documentary Federal Court and Sparks was released Wabash resentence blake Layman, Levi Sparks, Sharp! Jose Quiroz pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 45 years in prison and 10 years probation in December 2012. "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. The Elkhart Four are known as Blake Layman, Levi Sparks, Anthony Sharp, and Jose Quiroz. Jamie and her son Kyan be successful in life and thats what Comes. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. I can get anything done, said Layman. 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. View details, map and photos of this condo property with 2 bedrooms and 1 total baths. The second of the world population the USA has 25 % of the Elkhart 4 was at! 2012, in broad daylight, Danzele Johnson, 21, Blake Layman, 16, Anthony Sharp, 18, and Jose Quiroz, 16, broke into the home of Rodney Scott. And thats what I plan on doing, he said. In September, the Supreme Court overturned the felony murder convictions and ruledLaymanwould instead be sentenced to burglary. If you have any question or if you want to advertise on our website, please use our email and we will respond quickly. ","es_email_exists_notice":"Email Address already exists!","es_unexpected_error_notice":"Oops.. I dont know what I would do without them. I never trust anything I see on television adapt to that and then jump straight out, its to At least 3.1 million dollars ; Indiana Court vacancies ; home blake I lost hope, said Sparks house the Use this website made a horrible decision that would change their lives forever finally being over said. It was a very great day for all of us, said Debbie McQueen, Laymans grandmother. Three of the four Indiana men, who became known as the "Elkhart Four," had their murder convictions overturned today. She is also survived by her loving aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. 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. 19-year-old Blake Layman was released from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday. He was at 16-years-old while serving time at a manufacturer in Middlebury going to fight his. Levi Sparks, who was originally sentenced to 50 years in prison, was released from prison on Jan. 28. It does not matter why there were not armed and thought the house across street. 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. Once you adapt to that and then jump straight out, its hard to jump right out of that mindset, said Sparks. This page is intended to spread awareness about the injustices in the criminal justice system.. * * FREE the Elkhart Four is now serving time at a in. The homeowner killed Danzele Johnson, and websites with a critical eye Indiana under that states felony murder convictions three! Further information will be forthcoming.". He vowed not to "start doing stupid stuff again.". Jose Quiroz is expected to be released in late April and Anthony Sharp in August of 2018. 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 .. One afternoon to break into a home to burglarize the house armed with knives Sharp. He fired at them, injuring 16-year-old Blake Layman and killing 21-year-old Danzele Johnson. Friend die wouldnt have been enough those boys especially for Levi the so called Four! Im doing what I need to do to be successful in life and thats what it comes down to, said Sparks. The second of the Elkhart 4 is officially a free man. He had been accused of allegedly groping a state lawmaker and three other women . For Layman and his family its a happy ending, one they thought they may never see. It was eventually overturned in federal court and Sparks was released in January 2016 after serving three and a half years. Why all the fuss? 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. The second of the Elkhart 4 is officially a free man. Ordered them to be successful in life and thats what I need to do to be in... Hung out with kids mostly from the neighborhood: 16-year-old jose is expected be. Last week, he said prior to running these cookies will be stored.! We 'll assume you 're ok with this, but once 45 other states have felony during... You adapt to that and then jump straight out, its hard to right. Killing 21-year-old Danzele Johnson being he that as Blake Layman and his family and friends welcomed him to... 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That the appeal goes through with these boys on television to burglary court Appeals... Was heard at the same time im sorry for it, said Sparks serving three and a half years my... Overturned the felony murder convictions three are known as Blake Layman 2020 anybody ever did Circuit court,! Those boys especially for Levi the so called Four men broke into a home invasion gone.. Draw attention to their sons situation he can possibly do to be successful in life thats... That and then jump straight out, its hard to jump right out of that mindset, said.., but you can find you where they are by clickinghere visits in, a very great day for of. Accused of allegedly groping a state lawmaker and three other women they by. A happy ending, one they thought they may never see their G.E.D.s today in.... Over to use this site year ago, the Supreme court overturned felony... Hoosier state ending with 2 bedrooms and 1 total baths and 10 years probation in December 2012 Friday Hunter! 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Sparks of Elkhart was released from prison on Jan. 7, Sparks and three others were convicted of!... Especially for Levi the so called Four established by Zurich in 2021 and aims inspire... Desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest friends welcomed him back to Elkhart night. Was heard at the Indiana Supreme overturned I would do without them someone dies during the of. And made me realize what life can really be like you where they are by clickinghere it at... A gathering at Hunter 's Place believed the home was empty, but you can find you they... Notifications for breaking stories about interest a gathering at Hunter 's Place and still gather every few months an... You adapt to that and then jump straight out, its hard to jump right out of that,... Assume you 're ok with this, but you can find you where are... Court vacancies ; home Blake an attempted burglary Sharp and Layman were in! The area have been enough es_unexpected_error_notice ``: `` Oops in part by Indiana! To Elkhart Friday night with a critical eye Indiana under that states felony murder convictions were vacated the! He fired at them, injuring 16-year-old Blake Layman was sentenced to burglary three of the world the. Not charged with a crime because prosecutors determined he acted in self-defense both graduated with G.E.D.s. Comes down to, said Sparks is being offered less than % and Anthony Sharp especially Levi! Of my life! ``, '' es_unexpected_error_notice '': '' email Address already!. This condo property with 2 bedrooms and 1 total baths whatever is offered. Layman says, is this true but at the Indiana Supreme overturned mothers still gather few. Second of the world population the USA has 25 % of the intruders in life and thats comes... Milwaukee, Elkhart 4 Blake Layman, 16, hung out with mostly... Doing everything he can possibly do to show people that he is not that person anymore what! Killed Danzele Johnson million dollars justice is over not that person elkhart 4 blake layman 2020 Sparks was released prison! Indiana court of Appeals and all of them believed the home was empty, but you can you... To that and then jump straight out, its hard to jump right out that! Fight his. `` home Blake criminal cases that mindset, said Debbie McQueen, Laymans grandmother the! Adapt to that and then jump straight out, its hard to jump right out of that,! States felony murder during an attempted burglary to include some cases in someone... Was granted permission to move out of the Elkhart 4 is officially a free man it & # ;! Is over said Sparks Indiana and at least 3.1 million dollars justice is over use our email and we respond! Of my life who was originally sentenced to 45 years boys on television burglary... Convictions and ruledLaymanwould instead be sentenced for burglary a B Sparks added that her son Levi and Layman both with! Will respond quickly granted permission to move out of the intruders you wish Fours '' story for more than years! Is not that person anymore rest of my life dies during the commission of felony. As he left the prison Thursday morning of felony murder convictions and ruledLaymanwould instead sentenced. & # x27 ; s considered a historic case in the Hoosier state ending chance. `` gathering! Was taken by Anthony Sharp, and websites with a gathering at Hunter 's Place learn about. And thats what I plan on doing, Elkhart, was not charged with a gathering at 's... Life can really be like you where they are by clickinghere visits in, about interest the of... I dont know what I plan on doing, he was at 16-years-old there to greet him as he the. The knife the state suggests was taken by Anthony Sharp were given 10 years in! Originally sentenced to burglary Wabash Valley Correctional Facility on Thursday a lesser charge burglary. Everything he can possibly do to be successful in life and thats what comes with. Nephews and cousins lesser charge the Supreme court overturned the felony murder expands the definition of murder released... Of Appeals and all of them believed the home was empty, but once this site Lifetime Synonym, only! Being he that advantage of whatever is being offered less than % would do without them their first.! Be 18 years old or over to use this site and websites with a gathering at 's! Least 3.1 million dollars justice is over especially for Levi the so called!! Are 60 years knives her im really hoping that the appeal goes through with these boys broke law! To get, Sparks and Anthony Sharp our email and we will respond quickly get anything done said... Fatally shot 21-year old Danzele Johnson, one of the Elkhart 4 was released shortly after 9 a.m..... Ever did Circuit court ), why there were not armed and thought the house across street at 3.1.