THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 10, 1995 TAG: 9508100462
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Metro Briefs
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
A Portsmouth man convicted of capital murder, attempted robbery and firearms charges was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison plus 18 years for a random act of violence - killing a 26-year-old man.
Circuit Court Judge Johnny Morrison followed a jury's April recommendation in sentencing Antwan Champion. Champion robbed barbershop owner Robert B. Johnson outside the Churchland North Apartments on Aug. 20, 1993, for a ``cheap thrill,'' according to Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Will H. Jamerson, who prosecuted the case.
Champion, then 18, along with Carlos Driver, then 16, demanded money and jewelry from Johnson, who had driven one of his barbers to a friend's apartment.
Driver testified during his January 1994 trial that he had not intended to kill Johnson, but simply frighten him, so he fired the handgun several times into the ground near Johnson's feet. But Champion snatched the gun away and fatally shot Johnson.
Driver was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced in April to life plus 13 years. Champion could have received the death penalty.
KEYWORDS: MURDER CONVICTION SENTENCE by CNB