Prosecutor: 'Things went horribly wrong'

CAMBRIDGE – Deondre Crosby and five accomplices met early on June 24, 2012, in Zanesville, loading into two cars and preparing to rob Cambridge resident Christopher Morrison, Guernsey County Prosecutor Dan Padden said.

Word got out that Morrison had just received a large sum of money, and the plan was to break into his home overnight and take it. But from the moment the group exited their vehicles at a Cambridge apartment complex, "things went horribly wrong," Padden said.

It was Morrison's birthday, and he and a friend, Justain Nelson, were asleep inside. One of Crosby's crew members broke in the door, and the occupants were startled awake. Moments later, neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots. Morrison stumbled into the front yard and died, Padden said.

Nelson, who Padden said was "just at the wrong place at the wrong time," broke through a sliding glass door and jumped off a deck into the parking lot, trying to escape his assailants. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died of his injuries, including bullet wounds to the back.

After more than a week of testimony, the jury returned its verdict late Wednesday. Deondre Crosby, now 23, was convicted of aggravated murder in connection with Morrison's death. The Zanesville native also was found guilty of being complicit in Nelson's murder, as well as additional counts of aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary.

Five more suspects involved in the robbery-turned-homicides have already been sentenced.

According to court records, James Whatley Jr., Columbus, was sentenced to life in prison; Tyler Burrell, of Zanesville, was sentenced to 15 years; Elgin Mitchell, of Zanesville, was sentenced to 11 years; Maigen Blanchard, of Cambridge, was sentenced to 10 years; and Anjomo Churchill, of Zanesville, was sentenced to six years.

Among other charges, Crosby and Whatley were convicted of aggravated murder, Burrell and Mitchell were convicted of involuntary manslaughter, and Blanchard and Churchill were convicted of aggravated robbery, records show.

All but Whatley testified during Crosby's trial, Padden said.

Crosby's sentencing has been set for 10 a.m. Friday in Guernsey County Common Pleas Court. He could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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