A Ïã¸ÛÁùºÍ¿ª½±ÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ man who accidentally shot his friend as the two played with a gun in 2021 pleaded guilty to negligent homicide Tuesday, according to officials from the East Ïã¸ÛÁùºÍ¿ª½±ÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ District Attorney’s office.
Darius Devontay Ellis, 23, was scheduled to be tried this week in the June 17, 2021, death of 20-year-old Israel Crockett Jr.
According to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÍ¿ª½±ÀúÊ·¼Ç¼ Police Department reports, Ellis admitted that he accidentally shot Crockett dead while the two were "horse playing" in the living room of an apartment in the 6700 block of Ford Street. Ellis told BRPD detectives he picked up his rifle and it discharged a single round, the arrest affidavit stated. The bullet struck Crockett in his right side, and he died at the scene.
Detectives said Ellis did not intend to shoot the victim, but they determined his actions were criminally negligent, the warrant indicated.Â
Prosecutors and defense attorneys had multiple plea negotiations, but court records show Ellis rejected the state’s offer Monday after District Judge Ronald Johnson listened to victim impact testimony from Crockett’s mother and grandmother that day. During a meeting in his chambers last week, the presiding judge told attorneys that he wanted to hear from the victim’s family before considering Ellis’ sentence, court records show.
Ellis opted to plead guilty to negligent homicide when jury selection for his trial began Tuesday. He faces up to five years in prison for the felony conviction.
Johnson ordered a presentencing investigation and set Ellis’ sentencing hearing to be held Sept. 10, the District Attorney’s Office said.
