MANSFIELD — Mansfield’s latest convicted murder, Austin Jones, was sentenced to 28 years to life in prison by Judge James DeWeese Monday afternoon.
The sentencing followed a four-day jury trial, after which the jury found Jones guilty of the murder of Cedric Daniels, the attempted murder of Brianna Daniels, and felonious assault with two gun specifications.
The sentencing reflected all the convictions expect the felonious assault — DeWeese combined it into the attempted murder conviction.
“The only reason she (Brianna Daniels) is not dead is because you’re a worse shot than when you’re under pressure,” DeWeese said to Jones. DeWeese continued to address Jones firmly, stating all of Jones’ recidivism factors are present in this particular case.
“You have a history of criminal convictions. You have a history of alcohol and drug use and you have shown no remorse to the victim’s family throughout,” DeWeese said.
DeWeese also brought up gun control in his judgement.
“The only gun control I agree with is that which applies to felons. You were a convicted felon and you were still able to have a gun,” he said to Jones. “Even you understand that a gun does not belong to someone like you.”
Before DeWeese’s sentencing, Jones’ grandmother addressed the court. She began by thanking the court for letting her speak on behalf of her grandson.
“I’m asking that the court has mercy and offers leniency in the sentencing. We would be grateful to them and to God,” she said.
A member of the victim’s family also addressed the judge and the court.
“When you shot Cedric, you shot and killed us all, because we are Cedric Daniels,” she said as she faced Jones, who did not make eye contact.
Richland County Prosecutor Bambi Couch Page recommended Jones’ sentencing be set at 35 years to life, and originally offered a plea deal of 21 years. After the sentencing, Page said she would have liked to add more years for Jones.
“But we’re satisfied, as satisfied as we can be in this case,” Page said. “We recommended more because he used a gun and had a prior gun conviction. Had it been his first, I wouldn’t have been so adamant.”
She added that her office also has evidence that may lead to a future rape conviction and an additional felonious assault.
“We’re hoping to bring it forth in the next couple of months. It’s a completely different victim and time,” she said.
Defense attorney Ralph Bove motioned an appeal before the sentencing. He said Jones will be represented by an appellate attorney in the Fifth District Court of Appeals.
“Given the violent crimes and gun specifications, I think (the sentencing) was fair,” Bove said in a brief interview after the sentencing.
