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On Thursday, right before the jury even began deliberating, Joseph Andrew Crenshaw informed the judge: If I’m located guilty, then I want to be sentenced promptly so I can go to prison.
He acquired his would like. The 6-member jury deliberated for a few hrs and 34 minutes and identified Crenshaw guilty of robbing an web café in Summerfield. Circuit Decide Lisa Herndon informed Crenshaw that he satisfied the criteria of staying a prison re-offender (his arrest came much less than a few several years right after his jail launch) and requested a mandatory life jail sentence.
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Even though the 3-lady, three-man jury discovered him guilty of the theft offense, it was unaware that Crenshaw, 37, had a legal history. Jurors were being not authorized to listen to that truth during trial for the reason that it would have been prejudicial.
So, just after returning its verdict on the robbery charge, the jury heard testimony on Crenshaw’s next charge: possession of a firearm by convicted felon wearing a mask.
This second listening to was quick. The only testimony came from a Marion County Sheriff’s Office fingerprint analyst who verified that Crenshaw, as evidenced by his fingerprint data, is a convicted felon.
Jurors deliberated less than 15 minutes before returning a responsible verdict on that demand. Herndon then sentenced Crenshaw to 15 several years in jail, to operate concurrently with the lifestyle sentence.
Crenshaw’s attorney, Candace Hawthorne, explained to the Star-Banner that her shopper experienced an possibility to acquire a plea bargain – 20 yrs in prison for the two offenses – prior to trial.
She reported the choose had no decision but to impose the life sentence for the robbery cost. It’s the law.
Crenshaw has been at the Marion County Jail considering the fact that his June 4, 2018 arrest.
What occurred at the Fortunate Panda
Crenshaw was arrested by deputies that working day for allegedly robbing the Lucky Panda web café, 14335 S. U.S. 441 #104, Summerfield.
Detectives said Dennis Wayne Waters rang the buzzer to enter the café. When the door opened, Waters reportedly held the doorway for a little bit, allowing Crenshaw, who deputies mentioned was sporting a wolf mask and armed with a handgun, to go in.
The gunman asked for and acquired dollars. Waters ran, deputies said.
Deputies explained they identified outfits reportedly worn by Waters and Crenshaw. They found the males in a vehicle near Sunset Harbor Street. Deputies recovered a gun they believed was utilized in the holdup.
Hard cash and other items believed to be from the theft were also recovered, deputies said.
Waters told detectives in an job interview that he is the security guard at the café. He reported he was off duty at the time of the theft. Crenshaw refused to discuss to detectives.
Court information clearly show Waters, 35, pleaded responsible in August 2019 to principal to robbery with a firearm. He was sentenced to a seven-12 months prison term. His plea offer stipulates he should testify honestly versus Crenshaw.
Waters testifies, as necessary
Prior to resting its situation on Thursday, the point out took testimony from Waters. He explained to the jury that Crenshaw robbed the organization.
When questioned by Hawthorne, Waters stated he produced a offer with prosecutors to tell the truth. He said Crenshaw was the robber. He claimed he wasn’t on responsibility at the time of the robbery, even though he had talked about robbing the location.
Waters reported right after the robbery, he eliminated his apparel and left the place.
The defense known as two witnesses
Once the point out concluded presenting its witnesses, it was the defense’s transform. Hawthorne referred to as two persons. Crenshaw did not take the stand.
Closing arguments
In her closing argument, Assistant Condition Attorney Marissa Meyer informed the jury that all the proof merged, including DNA and witnesses testimony, pointed to Crenshaw as the man or woman who robbed the café.
Meyer explained to the jury that the circumstance does not only count on Waters’ statements. She reported surveillance video reveals Waters keeping the door and permitting the masked gentleman in.
Meyer stated all the parts of proof were “building blocks” that proved Crenshaw’s guilt.
Hawthorne stated the evidence against her customer was circumstantial and for that reason ought to be dismissed as speculation. The protection law firm claimed you can find no proof to verify that Crenshaw was donning a mask. She said when the car Crenshaw was in was stopped by deputies, he experienced no idea what had happened as he was on his way residence.
Hawthorne reported there was no fingerprint on the gun exhibiting that Crenshaw had possession of the firearm, and the DNA evidence – Crenshaw’s DNA was located on outfits evidently worn by the robber – was unreliable.
Once the jurors were given their recommendations, they went to the back for discussions at noon.
Get in touch with Austin L. Miller at 867-4118, austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb
