Jury Finds Teen Gunman Guilty in Deadly Home Invasion
By: Melinda Barrett
Updated: January 10, 2013
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) A teenager charged in the murder of a St. Joseph man has been convicted by a Buchanan County jury.
The jury announced the guilty verdict against Elijah Pickett, 18, Wednesday afternoon.
Pickett was convicted on six counts including second degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action, attempted robbery and attempted burglary in the 2011 shooting death of Brian Ulmer. Pickett was 16 years old at the time.
The victim's mother, Lois Ulmer, said her family feels a sense of closure with the verdict, but they are still mourning.
"It has been a nightmare for my family and myself. Every night we pray to God that we'll wake up from it. But, it's not a nightmare it's reality," said Lois Ulmer.
Outside the courthouse Wednesday, Pickett's sister offered support for her brother.
"Elijah's a good person once you get to know him. He is a good kid," said Trashawnda Thompson. "As for what happened the night of the 22nd, I can't answer to that because I wasn't there. All I know is what I see in my brother."
During testimony in the case, Pickett was labeled as the gunman by the other men charged in the murder.
The victim's mother, Lois Ulmer, said her family feels a sense of closure with the verdict, but they are still mourning.
"It has been a nightmare for my family and myself. Every night we pray to God that we'll wake up from it. But, it's not a nightmare it's reality," said Lois Ulmer.
Outside the courthouse Wednesday, Pickett's sister offered support for her brother.
"Elijah's a good person once you get to know him. He is a good kid," said Trashawnda Thompson. "As for what happened the night of the 22nd, I can't answer to that because I wasn't there. All I know is what I see in my brother."
During testimony in the case, Pickett was labeled as the gunman by the other men charged in the murder.
Kasey Hall and Xavier Johnson were sentenced to 20 years in prison for their roles in the shooting.
A jury acquitted Camareo Goodwin last month. He was also charged in the shooting.
A fifth suspect is awaiting trial.
The jury has recommended maximum jail time for each charge.
Dwight Scroggins, the Buchanan County Prosecutor, said the jury requested 30 years for second degree murder and 15 years for each of the other five charges.
The sentencing will be held on March 8th at 9:30 a.m. in Judge Robb's courtroom.
A jury acquitted Camareo Goodwin last month. He was also charged in the shooting.
A fifth suspect is awaiting trial.
The jury has recommended maximum jail time for each charge.
Dwight Scroggins, the Buchanan County Prosecutor, said the jury requested 30 years for second degree murder and 15 years for each of the other five charges.
The sentencing will be held on March 8th at 9:30 a.m. in Judge Robb's courtroom.
