A federal jury convicted three men in their roles in the 2017 murder of Timothy Edwards in Covington with two others entering guilty pleas, U.S. Attorney Mike Dunavant announced Thursday afternoon.
Edwards, 38, was killed during a Jan. 19, 2017 home invasion in Covington.
Twenty-one-year-olds Willie Somerville, Armoni Hall and Eddie Poindexter, along with Christian Sherill, 24, and Darrell Owens, 32, reportedly entered the Douglas Street home to rob Edwards of drugs and drug proceeds, said Dunavant.
Somerville was armed with a 9mm pistol and Hall with a 12-gauge shotgun. They, along with Poindexter, kicked in the door and entered the home while Sherrill and Owens waited in the car.
As Hall entered, Edwards grabbed him and they two struggled over the shotgun. Somerville shot Edwards, killing him and seriously injuring Hall.
Edwards’ wife was in the back of the house and called 911. Edwards was dead by the time police arrived and Hall was found lying in the street a block away with gunshot injuries.
On Dec. 19, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted all five men for robbery affecting interstate commerce; possession, use and discharge of firearms during a crime of violence; and use of a firearm to cause the death of Edwards.
On March 5, after a week-long trial, the jury convicted Somerville on all counts.
Poindexter and Sherrill were convicted of the robbery and use of the firearm during the robbery.
Hall previously pleaded guilty to all counts and will be sentenced on March 15.
Owens previously pleaded guilty to the robbery and firearms offenses and is scheduled to have a sentencing hearing on April 4.
The other three are scheduled to be sentenced on June 26.
All defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment.
“The days of brazen violence, robbery crews, trigger-pullers and lawlessness in Covington are quickly coming to an end,” said Dunavant. “The violent nature of these offenders’ criminal acts underscores the serious threat that this group posed to the community as a whole. They had no regard for human life and will now be removed from the Covington community for decades. This should send a clear message to those who continue to engage in senseless gun violence in our small towns and rural communities: We know who you are; you will be caught and held accountable; we will bring the full weight and measure of our federal resources to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and TBI.
