Friday, May 31, 2013

Accomplice sentenced for his part in a 2010 Fourth of July shooting


Accomplice sentenced for his part in a 2010 Fourth of July shooting
By:  Michael G. Lander

David Richardson, 22, was sentenced to 275 years in prison on Friday, April 19, 2013 for his participation in the 2010 Fourth of July weekend shooting that resulted in the death of 24-year-old Kimberley Jamerson.
 
Two brothers, Kenneth Brown, 21, and Devon Brown, 22, had already been tried and convicted for the same crime.  Both brothers received life sentences with Kenneth Brown, in October 2012, getting an additional 308 years for his part and Devon Brown, in November 2012, receiving 244 years for his involvement.


All three individuals were sentenced on multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and on multiple weapons charges.   


The July Fourth weekend shooting left one injured and one dead.  It stemmed from a dispute over drugs.  Hours after the altercation, the Brown brothers returned with Richardson and opened fire on those who were attending a Fourth of July cook-out on North Meade in Memphis.  Memphis City Police officers testified that they recovered over 60 shell casings from the various weapons that the three had used.

After his sentencing, Richardson "faced my family and told me that he was sorry for what he caused me and my family... and for his part in the whole heinous crime," Willie Brooks-Howze said.  Brooks-Howze was the mother of the slain Kimberley Jamerson.


"He also told me that he has given his life to Christ since his incarceration," Brooks-Howze said.


Brooks-Howze is considering the idea of writing a book because she doesn't want people to ever forget her daughter and she wants to tell others about how her faith has helped her and her family get through this ordeal.  

 
From the proceeds of a book, she would also like to help others who are affected by gun violence and who struggle with their finances in its aftermath.  In addition to this, she would also like to be able to open a homeless shelter, which was a dream of her daughter's.