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Investigators talk at the scene of fatal shooing Nov. 30, 2010 in South Bend. (Tribune Photo/SANTIAGO FLORES) (November 7, 2012) |
SOUTH BEND – An Illinois man has been sentenced to 25 years behind bars for a shooting death nearly two years ago in South Bend.
20-year-old Stephon Rice is headed to prison for his involvement in the November 30, 2010 killing of Cornelius Miller.
Police say Miller, who was from Chicago, was in a house at 518 S. Lombardy Drive when shots were fired through the back door.
In September, Rice pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and on Wednesday was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Roland Chamblee to 35 years behind bars, although 10 years were suspended.
Four others were also arrested for the crime.
Brandon Rogers and Rene Vasquez each pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal, and both are being held in the St. Joseph County Jail waiting to be sentenced.
Rice’s 23-year-old brother, Steven Rice, is set for trial in February 2013 and 21-year-old co-defendant Brittney Watson’s trial is scheduled for January.
Prosecutors said Watson, upset after an argument with Miller earlier that day, called the Rices in Chicago to have him “taken care of.”
According to court documents, the Rices came to South Bend to carry out the crime at Watson’s request.
