By Molly Moorhead, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, September 2, 2010
NEW PORT RICHEY — A jury convicted Calvin Leon Washington Jr. of first-degree felony murder Thursday morning after deliberating about an hour. He was immediately sentenced to life in prison.
Washington, 21, of Brooksville was accused of taking part in a burglary of a house on Oxenham Avenue in Shady Hills that ended in a shootout, killing 21-year-old Corey Evans.
Prosecutors said Washington picked up his cousin and a friend early on Oct. 16, 2008, and drove to the home. The three men climbed in through a bathroom window intending to rob the house of drugs and money. But dogs started barking and the people inside woke up. Evans, who was just staying the night to play video games, died.
His cousin, Kenneth Evans, lived at the house and, authorities say, dealt drugs there. He was also shot and received minor injuries.
Prosecutors never said Washington definitively killed Corey Evans. But in a felony murder case, they need only prove that Washington was committing another felony — burglary — that resulted in Evans' death.
After he was sentenced, Washington turned toward Evans' family and declared, "I'm innocent. I didn't kill him. That's all I got to say."
Evans' family described Corey as "a great kid" who loved life.
"We miss Corey very much and love him more than words can explain," his sister, Charlene, told Circuit Judge Michael Andrews through tears.
His aunt, Elizabeth Evans, said, "there's no justice in the world that can give him (Washington) what he needs."
The cases are still pending for the other defendants in the case. Ricky Washington, Calvin's cousin, is in jail awaiting trial. He also faces a first-degree felony murder charge.
Taequan Griffin, the third defendant, was shot in the back during the incident and left paralyzed. He testified this week for the state and has been offered a plea deal for 10 years in prison.
Molly Moorhead can be reached at moorhead@sptimes.com or (727) 869-6245.