Javaris Crittenton Resentenced to 20 Years for Involvement in 2011 Drive-By Shooting
Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton, who previously played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, and Memphis Grizzlies, has been issued a new sentence for his involvement in a 2011 homicide case. The recent development might lead to his immediate release from prison, but it has faced criticisms from the Fulton County District Attorney’s office in Georgia.
Crittenton was originally sentenced in 2015 to 23 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges. However, on Thursday, a senior district attorney consented to the new sentence, which could see him serve only five years on probation while wearing a monitoring device and facing a curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Legal Conflicts Arise Following Resentencing
Despite the modified hearing receiving consent from a senior district attorney, District Attorney Fani Willis was initially unaware of the resentencing proceeding. Therefore, the district attorney’s office filed a motion to withdraw the new sentence and requested that a special prosecutor be appointed because of legal conflicts.
The resentencing was part of a plea agreement reached in court. If Javaris Crittenton maintains positive behavior and adheres to conditions stipulated in his sentence modification hearing, including speaking out against violent behavior and committing to community service, he could serve only five years before getting early release.
Crittenton’s Involvement in Julian Jones’ Death
Prosecutors mentioned that Javaris Crittenton quite mistakenly targeted an innocent Atlanta mother named Julian Jones with gunfire instead of his intended target. The incident resulted in Jones’ passing away at her home.
During the resentencing hearing, Jones’ mother spoke up to oppose the new sentence. On his part, Crittenton must complete 7,200 hours of community service during the first decade of his probation to stop youth from joining gangs and committing violent crimes.
Previous Incidents
Before the 2011 incident, Javaris Crittenton co-defendant Douglas Gamble was found guilty and sentenced to three years in custody. In keeping with court records, Javaris shot at a man he believed had previously robbed him, resulting in Julian Jones’ accidental death during a drive-by shooting outside her home.
In 2009, Crittenton was involved in another legal issue when he pulled a gun on Washington Wizards teammate Gilbert Arenas in the locker room, while he was playing for the team. He also received probation on gun possession charges in 2010 before his involvement in Julian Jones’ homicide case in 2011.
Crittenton’s cousin and co-defendant received three years of custody since he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and participating in a criminal street gang activity. The incident resulted from an argument about jewelry between Douglas Gamble and another man that escalated into gunfire.
Conclusion
The recent resentment sentence given to Javaris Crittenton has elicited mixed reactions from different parties. While some stakeholders feel it is appropriate, some groups believe that it should be withdrawn. Meanwhile, Javaris Crittenton’s future remains uncertain as legal challenges arise due to this resentencing process.
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