Teenage Killer Sentenced To Adult Prison 15-Year-Old Wallace Resident Could Be Released Before His 25th Birthday
Jeremy Schmitz will spend the rest of his teenage years in an adult prison, but the admitted murderer could be released before his 25th birthday.
First District Judge Gary Haman sentenced the 15-year-old Wallace resident Monday to life in prison with the chance of parole after 10 years.
With credit for the nearly eight months he has been in jail, Schmitz could be released when he is 24.
“We’ll just have to come back in 10 years when he’s up for parole and go through it all again,” the victim’s niece, Bonnie Chappel, said outside the courtroom.
Schmitz pleaded guilty in November to second-degree murder in the beating death of 53-year-old Melvin Evenson. Two motorists found Evenson’s body last spring hidden under a stack of boxes in an abandoned pickup truck.
Chappel was one of about 10 of Evenson’s friends and relatives who attended Schmitz’ sentencing hearing.
More than a dozen supporters of Schmitz, including his mother, squeezed onto benches on the opposite side of the courtroom. All left without commenting.
The sentence Haman imposed fell between recommendations made by prosecutors and defense attorneys. Deputy Prosecutor Rick Baughman asked the judge to fix 15 years of a life sentence. Chief Public Defender John Adams recommended a 15-year term with the possibility of parole after seven.
“When a kid this age stands up - unlike his stepfather and his cousin - and accepts responsibility, I see that as” a reason for lenience, Adams said.
Schmitz has agreed to testify against his cousin as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors. Daniel Eby, 18, is charged with first-degree murder. His trial is scheduled to begin in May.
Clifford Hicks, Schmitz’ stepfather, also has admitted involvement in Evenson’s death and will testify against Eby. Hicks pleaded guilty to being an accessory to murder and was sentenced to five years in prison.
Adams said Schmitz’s horrible childhood - one that included an introduction to methamphetamines by the time he was 12 - contributed to the teen’s actions.
“This is a kid that had no chance from the beginning,” Adams said. Schmitz spoke briefly before he was sentenced.
“I’d like to say to all of Mel’s friends and family that I’m sorry for what I did and ask the Lord to forgive me,” Schmitz said.
Prosecutors allege Eby, Schmitz and Hicks talked about robbing Evenson before attacking him in a garage off Fantasy Loop. Eby took the first swing at Evenson with a bat and Schmitz joined in, Baughman said.
The group were all friends, leaving “pleasure” as the only reason for Evenson’s murder, Baughman said.
“They knew when asked, Melvin Evenson would have given them his money, the shirt off his back,” Baughman said. “Yet they chose to take it.”
Lynn Evenson, who testified at the sentencing hearing, remembered the advice her brother-in-law used to give to her son.
“He used to tell him you have to be careful who you associate with in life,” she said. “I just wish he would have heeded that advice.”
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo