20-Year Burglary Sentence Upheld

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — The state Appeals Court denies a man’s claims that a jury shouldn’t have found him guilty of his role in a home invasion two years ago.

On May 23, 2012, a Lowndes County jury found Demonta Gardner, who goes by the street name “Gangster,” guilty of burglary but not guilty of armed robbery. He was one of six people originally charged with forcing their way into the Columbus apartment of Karen Winters and taking televisions, laptops and other items at gunpoint.

A judge sentenced Gardner to 20 years and he appealed.

In today’s seven page ruling, the appeals court said the evidence supported the jury’s verdict.