JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A jury convicted a Jacksonville man of the first-degree murder of an Edward Waters College student on Friday.
Kenell Coleman could face a sentence of life without parole for the shooting death of 19-year-old EWC student Johnathan Glenn.
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Glenn was shot during a robbery in 2004 in which $10, a jersey and a cellular phone were stolen outside Glenn's dormitory in 2004. The second-semester freshman business major from Chicago died at Shands-Jacksonville Medical Center.
Glenn's mother, Essy Glenn, said her son called her during the incident. She said she has replayed what happened to her son a thousand times in her mind.
"He was angry when Johnathan only had a small amount of money. He went as far as cursing and saying, 'Is this all you've got?'" Essy Glenn said.
The day before Glenn was fatally shot, the college freshman had turned in a term paper about poor campus security.
Deliberations lasted less than two hours before the jury came back with a guilty verdict.
As the verdict was read, Glenn's family members and friends shed tears.
"Someone who didn't value life decided to take a life. Now he has to pay the price for it, and we're happy," Glenn's sister Jennipher said.
Glenn's mother said she hopes those grieving can find peace.
"I feel sorry for Mr. Coleman, and I don't hate him or dislike him or his family. I hope the best for them," Essy Glenn said.
Although the murder trial has concluded, Glenn's mother said she will continue to pursue a lawsuit against EWC. She said the college was negligent and did not keep its students safe.
Co-defendant Jermel Campbell, who testified against Coleman, will be sentenced at a later date. Campbell pleaded guilty to armed robbery.
Previous Stories:
- December 17, 2004: Suspects Face Judge For EWC Student's Murder
- December 17, 2004: Police Arrest Two 20-Year-Olds In EWC Student Murder
- June 17, 2004: Family Of Slain Student Suing Edward Waters College
- May 9, 2004: Slain EWC Student Laid To Rest In Chicago
- April 30, 2004: EWC Student Who Wrote About Safety Concerns Shot Dead
- April 29, 2004: Edward Waters Student Shot, Killed Outside Dorm