TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - The sentencing is being pushed back again for the teen found guilty of attempted murder at the Tippecanoe Mall last December.
This is the second time that the sentencing for Iyon Erves has been pushed back. He was originally supposed to receive his sentence on August 17th. Now he won't learn his fate until November 13th.
As we've previously reported, Erves faced eight charges for the shooting at the mall. Erves took his case to a bench trial before Circuit Court Judge Sean Persin. After two days of hearing witnesses, Judge Persin found Erves guilty on six of his eight charges. Erves, 17, was tried as an adult.
That verdict included the most severe charge of attempted murder, which has a maximum sentence of 40 years alone. He was also found guilty on one charge of battery by means of a deadly weapon, one charge of intimidation, criminal recklessness, carrying a handgun without a license and criminal mischief. He was found not guilty on his second counts of battery by means of a deadly weapon and intimidation.
News 18 talked exclusively with Erves' mother, Keya Erves, in August. She defended her son as a "kind person" who is a kid who "made a mistake."
The first time his sentencing was pushed back was at the request of his original two lawyers, who represented him during the bench trial. However, Tippecanoe County Prosecutor Patrick Harrington confirmed that Erves has new representation with Terrance Kinnard.
Kinnard also represents Michael Barnett in the alleged neglect case of a Ukranian girl with dwarfism, a local case that has reached national headlines.
Harrington said it's not unusual for newly brought on lawyers to ask for a delay in order to prepare.
