Sentences were handed down in State Supreme Court in Buffalo Wednesday for the four men charged in connection with the murder of 96-year-old Levi Clayton. The church deacon suffered for nearly five months after being attacked in his home in November 2012. He later died from his injuries.
Defense Attorney Joseph Terranova told the court his client, 23-year-old Elhajji Elshabazz, denies any involvement. But Judge Christopher Burns said in the court's view, the alibi offered for El Shabazz "was not believable in almost any respect."
"You claim not to be there, but you cannot exit a house on video without being in the house. You knew Mr. Clayton was there. You ran away at first and then came back. You tossed his home, you took his property, then you ran with the others. It's clear here you have no conscience of this," Burns said.
Burns sentenced El Shabazz to 25 years for burglary and 25-years to life for second degree murder. Shaquar Pratcher, 18, was sentenced to 25 years to life for second degree murder, 15 years for gun possession, and 25 years for burglary.
Two other men involved in the crime were also sentenced. Justice Feggans, 19, received 15 years for burglary and the getaway driver, 20-year-old Jordan McKinnon, was sentenced to eight years in prison.
