Sentences in "Sweet 16" Murder

At a hearing today, Judge Charles G. Bernstein sentenced Jamal Charles, 17, of the 4000 block of Edmonston Ave. to 50 years in prison, 30 years for second-degree murder and a consecutive 20 years for use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence. Bernstein also sentenced Dwayne Drake, 19, of the 3400 block of Dolefield Ave. to 40 years in prison, 30 years for second degree murder, a consecutive 10 years for use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence and a concurrent three years for wear/carry/transporting a handgun. Details:

Judge Bernstein called this case “extremely difficult” “tragic” and “senseless” and that his sentence “must express society’s outrage” that a “good man, a family man, a working man” has been taken from society and his family forever, shot in his own home.

Charles received the maximum sentence he faced under law: 50 years. Drake faced a maximum of 53 years in prison.

On April 14, 2006 Bryant Jones, a father of six, was shot and killed at his daughter’s sweet 16 birthday party. Several witnesses testified Drake and Charles were acting up and arguing at the party and that they both smelled of alcohol. Mr. Jones asked them repeatedly to leave stating that they were disrespecting his wife, his daughter and his house. The defendants left the house but turned and came right back demanding the dollar back that they had paid to get into the party. As they argued with Mr. Jones, Dwayne Drake said to Jamal Charles, “Show him how we take care of business in the hood.” Drake handed Charles an object. At which point Charles fired several shots at Mr. Jones, striking him in the arm, chest, and head.

Assistant State’s Attorney Rita Wisthoff-Ito of the Homicide Division prosecuted this case.