New Sentence Could Result in Immediate Release
Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton has been re-sentenced for his role in a 2011 homicide case. Crittenton had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter and had received a 23-year prison sentence with an additional 17 years of probation back in 2015. However, he was recently given a new sentence that could result in his immediate release from prison.
As part of the new sentence, Crittenton will be placed on intensive probation for the first five years after his release. He will also be required to wear a monitoring device at all times and will face a curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Additionally, he will have 10 years of prison time commuted and will be subject to special conditions; including 7,200 hours of community service during the first 10 years of probation.
District Attorney Seeks Rescission
Despite the resentencing, the Fulton County District Attorney’s office has filed a motion to rescind the new sentence and has asked for a special prosecutor to be appointed to the case.
The victim’s mother spoke out at the resentencing hearing and vehemently opposed the new sentence. Jones’ mother argued that her daughter’s life was worth more than ten years in prison, stating that “it’s not worth ten years of prison time.”
Details of the Homicide
The 2011 homicide case involved Crittenton allegedly shooting a 22-year-old Atlanta mother of four instead of the man who had robbed him days before the shooting. The victim, Julian Jones, was planning to marry her boyfriend soon before she was tragically killed.
Crittenton admitted that he was retaliating against the individual who had robbed him and that he did not intend to kill Jones. The former NBA player had been trying to make a name for himself off the court and got caught up in criminal activity.
History of Gun Incidents
Prior to his 2011 homicide case, Crittenton was involved in a gun incident with his teammate Gilbert Arenas while playing for the Washington Wizards in 2009. The two players were suspended for the remainder of that season and faced criminal charges in Washington.
There have been speculations that this gun incident was related to gambling debts; however, investigations showed it was linked to a card game on a team plane.
Plea Negotiation Criteria
Crittenton satisfied the criteria for plea negotiations, which included serving at least five years in prison, maintaining a positive attitude and behavior, committing to community service, and speaking out about the consequences of violent behavior.
As part of his probationary terms, Crittenton will also be required to work to prevent youth involvement in gangs and violence through community outreach. He will also have to speak truthfully and openly about all of his experiences in gangs as well as solitary time in prison.
Conclusion
Javaris Crittenton’s story is that of wasted potential. The former NBA star had everything going for him until he fell into criminal activity. The tragic events of 2011 took away the life of an innocent person, and it has taken ten years for justice to be served. While his resentencing could result in his immediate release from prison, there are still those who feel that Crittenton has yet to pay his entire debt to society.
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