They plotted to rob, then killed a pizza delivery man. A judge sentenced them to prison for the 'inhumane' killing.
Two men shot a pizza delivery man during a botched robbery in South Dakota, though both said the other was the shooter.
Now, the duo will spend decades behind prison for the killing that a judge described as “brutal, inhumane and unjustified.”
Recently, South Dakota judge Robin Houwman sentenced Raymond Banks and Jahennessy Bryant to prison for their roles in the 2020 killing of Casey Bonhorst in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, according to the Argus-Leader. Both suspects previously pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter.
Banks was sentenced to 80 years in prison, with 20 years suspended, and Bryant to 50 years, with 25 years suspended, according to the Argus-Leader.
Bryant and Banks were arrested for killing Bonhorst, 30, on Feb. 26, 2020, according to the newspaper. Bonhorst was delivering a pizza to a home when he got into a brief struggle with the suspects who tried to rob him. The victim was shot in the neck. Neither Banks nor Bryant admitted to firing the shot and the duo told separate stories about the robbery plot.
"Casey Bonhorst was more than a Dominos delivery guy," Houwman said, according to the Argus-Leader. "His mother says the following sums up her feelings: 'You don't just lose someone once, you lose them every day for a lifetime.'”
- Minnesota Man Sentenced To Over 35 Years In Prison After Fight Over Dice Game Ends In Murder
- A Gang Member Made Eye Contact With His Nemesis During Lunch At TGI Fridays. Minutes Later, His Partner Shot Him Dead.
- Jealous Man Kills Bystander at Burger King Who Tried to Intervene in Fight Over Suspected Affair
The judge also ripped the defendants for their decision to kill over a small amount of money.
"This killing was brutal, inhumane and unjustified," Houwman said, according to the paper. "I said several times today, it was senseless. Casey did not deserve to die for a few coins, a little change."
Banks told the victim’s family at the sentencing that he was remorseful and accepted responsibility for his actions. Though, he said he was not the main reason why Bonhorst died, according to KELO-TV.
Bryant’s lawyer, Beau Blouin, told the court that his client’s statements have been consistent through the investigation and other witnesses said Banks bragged about being the shooter, according to KELO-TV.
Bryant said he was sorry to the Bonhorst family and added he would be willing to go on probation for the rest of his life, the TV station reported.
Instead, Houwman sent both suspects to prison for decades.
Become a Front Page Detective
Sign up to receive breaking
Front Page Detectives
news and exclusive investigations.