Sentences reached in I-64 shootout case

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - A Chesapeake jury has decided on a sentence for the two men convicted on murder and firearms charges in connection with a police involved shooting in June 2009.

Dedrion Short, Willie Simmons and another man kidnapped and killed Tione Vincent, before police say they opened fire on officers on Interstate 64. Off-duty officer Sean Flemming was shot five times responding to the scene.

The jury recommended an 83 year sentence for Dedrion Short and Willie Simmons was sentenced to a total of 36 years.

"I'm pleased with the verdict. It could have been more but it was good," said Fleming. "Very happy."

Tione Vincent's widow Ivy Vincent was also pleased with the jury's and judge's decision.

"I'm happy with the verdict, yes I am," said Vincent. She recognized that the verdict will not bring back her husband, but she said, "He lives on. He lives on."

The two testified in court Tuesday morning about how the actions of the convicted men shattered their lives.

Ivy Vincent told the court, the killing of her 29-year-old husband Tione has left a huge void in her and her childrens' lives. "The pain they feel, I see it in their eyes," she said.

Next, Officer Sean Flemming testified Tuesday that during the shootout he thought he was going to die. "One of my biggest fears was that I was not going to see my parents again, my sister, my girlfriend," said Flemming.

Family members and friends of Willie Simmons and Dedrion Short gave glowing pictures of their character, then defense attorneys asked the jury for mercy: 58 years for Short and 29 years for Simmons, the minimum sentences. The Prosecutor asked the jury to impose the maximum sentences - life terms for the pair.

On Monday, a jury found both Dedrion Short and Willie Simmons guilty of first degree murder in the death of Tione Vincent. The jury also found them guilty of abduction to obtain money, use of a firearm during an abduction and displaying a firearm during that murder.

In addition to the charges above, Short was also found guilty of malicious wounding of a police officer, and use of a firearm in that wounding; Simmons was found not guilty of those two charges.

The jury deliberated for about five hours before reaching a verdict in the case.

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