Dequavion James was formally sentenced in Christian County Circuit Court Wednesday morning after previously entering an Alford plea in connection to the 2016 death of 19-year old DeAndrea Palmer in Oak Grove.
In court Wednesday morning, James and his attorney Ted Shouse along with Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling appeared before Chief Circuit Judge John Atkins.
Prior to sentencing, Palmer’s mother addressed James, expressing that his actions had stolen something from her family that could never be replaced and that her son had dreams and aspirations.
click to download audioJudge Atkins then handed down a sentence of 20 years to James, to be served concurrently on the charges of manslaughter, robbery, and tampering with physical evidence, pursuant to the plea agreement.
click to download audioFollowing sentencing, James was remanded to the custody of the Department of Corrections.
James was initially charged with murder which was amended to manslaughter in the death of Palmer. Police said James and Leonardo Miller fatally shot Palmer at Miller’s home in oak Grove and then hid his body in a closet. Palmer’s body was reportedly eventually dumped on the side of Carter Road near Ghost Bridge, which was found on July 20, 2016.
Miller previously entered a guilty plea to murder, first-degree robbery and tampering with physical evidence. He was sentenced by Judge Atkins to 40 years in prison in January of 2022.
