Man Gets Life In Christmas Eve Slaying Of Detroit Musician
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A second man charged in the fatal carjacking and shooting of a Detroit musician who was killed after performing at a Christmas Eve church service has learned his punishment.
Charles Cox, 33, on Thursday was sentenced to life in prison without parole after being convicted of first-degree murder and other charges in the death of Anthony Tolson. Cox maintains his innocence.
Also Thursday, co-defendant Devan Williams, 28, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and a gun charge in the case as his trial was ongoing in Wayne County Circuit Court. Sentencing is Aug. 24.
A third defendant, 19-year-old Darnell Young, was earlier sentenced to 33-60 years in prison.
Police say Tolson was ordered out of his Chevy Trailblazer on Dec. 24 and shot. He had played bass guitar at the service and was heading to his mother's home with gifts for his three children.
Police said the 33-year-old Tolson was killed over the expensive rims on his car.
"I seen a truck with some wheels that I could sell for $1,200," Young told investigators, according to a statement read during previous court proceedings. "I told him to get out the car. He grabbed the gun; when I yanked back, I shot him."
Young said he pulled Tolson, who was shot three times, out of the vehicle and kicked the man as he was lying on the ground. "Then I hopped in the car and pulled off," he said.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig said and outpouring of tips led to the arrests.
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