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Sentencing In Murder of U.S. Navy Sailor

A Chicago gang member who shot and killed a United States Navy serviceman as he celebrated his birthday with friends and family on the South Side was sentenced to 60 years in prison today for his role in the murder, according to the Office of Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.

Edwon Carter, 27, of the South Side, was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the June 17, 2006 murder of Jesse Franklin, 22.  Franklin, a Chicago resident, was home on leave from the Navy and visiting with friends and family at his own birthday party when the shooting took place.

According to prosecutors, Carter and fellow gang member Alton Spann had driven by the party and believed that the partygoers were members of a rival street gang.  Carter and Spann retrieved a gun and approached the group by sneaking through a gang way across the street.  Prosecutors said the pair emerged suddenly and Carter fired several shots into the crowd, striking Franklin in the head.

“This case represents the true tragedy of gang violence when innocent and committed young men like Jesse Franklin are senselessly struck down,” said Alvarez. “This is a fitting sentence for someone who would commit such an irrational act of violence.”

Both Carter and Spann were arrested by Chicago Police and charged with murder.  Spann pled guilty and testified against Carter at his trial where he was convicted of the murder by a Cook County jury earlier this year. Cook County Judge Steve Goebel sentenced Carter to 60 years today. 

State’s Attorney Alvarez thanked the Chicago Police Department and Assistant State’s Attorneys Thomas Darman and Andy Varga for their work on the case.