York County Sentences Two in Connection with 2021 Armed Robbery
In the heart of York County, a serious case reached its conclusion, leaving many reflecting on the tragic events of 2021. On Tuesday, Derek Jason Brown, 33, and Yevonne Nicole Price, 41, were sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to their roles in a deadly armed robbery that shocked the local community.
A Brief Overview of the Incident
The case stems from a robbery that led to the tragic death of Steven Kyle Faris, 35, a victim who was found shot to death inside a freight trailer in early July 2021. His lifeless body was discovered wrapped in a blanket on Twin Streams Lane, not far from Lake Wylie. According to 16th Circuit Deputy Solicitor John Anthony, Faris suffered from multiple shotgun wounds days before he was found.
Initially, both Brown and Price faced murder charges in connection with Faris’s death. However, during the court proceedings at the Moss Justice Center, the two entered into a plea deal which led them to plead guilty to accessory after the fact and armed robbery. This plea deal resulted in the 15-year sentences they received this week.
The Role of Michael Eugene Davis
A third defendant, Michael Eugene Davis, 50, is already serving a prison sentence of 21 years after admitting guilt to voluntary manslaughter and armed robbery last year. Authorities revealed that Davis, believed to be the one who fired the fatal shots, was arrested alongside Brown and Price shortly after they were seen in Faris’s car.
“Our belief is Mr. Davis is the one who fired the shots that killed Mr. Faris,” Deputy Solicitor Anthony stated during the proceedings. However, he emphasized that both Brown and Price held significant responsibility for their actions that night. Their involvement created a chain of events that led to Faris’s untimely death.
Expressions of Remorse in Court
During the sentencing, both Brown and Price shared their feelings of remorse, as they reflected on their actions and the choices that led them to this point. Price, who had previously considered Faris a friend, lamented, “Drugs and bad decisions are a terrible combination.” Brown agreed, echoing similar sentiments about the consequences of their lives influenced by drug use.
Both individuals had been held in jail without bail ever since their arrest over three years ago, a period they likely regarded as a time of reflection and realization. Their guilty pleas marked a significant moment in the disturbing case that had gripped the local community.
Community Reflection
As York County continues to heal from the incidents of 2021, the sentences serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences that come with crime, especially involving drugs and violence. The legal proceedings highlighted not only the legal ramifications but also the human element that lies beneath such tragedies. Friends lost, lives irrevocably changed, and communities shaken are all part of the ongoing dialogue surrounding crime and its impacts.
This case didn’t just end with the prison sentences. It raises questions about accountability and the broader societal issues related to mental health, substance abuse, and violence that many communities face. As we continue to engage in conversations around these topics, it’s essential to remember the value of human life and the profound effects of our choices.
Looking Ahead
The community will undoubtedly strive to find healing and closure as these events remain in the collective memory. Ultimately, through education and community engagement, York County can hope to move forward with lessons learned from this unfortunate series of events.
