A Mexico man is now sentenced to 20 years in prison for a 2020 murder.
Ja’vone Hornbeak pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action for a shooting at Garfield Park in Mexico in August 2020.
Hornbeak killed Tornez Burton of Mexico and injured Jzyeshawn Palmer and Davayjion Blackwell. Hornbeak pleaded guilty on April 18, however was sentenced yesterday (Friday).
Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney Jacob Shellabarger says “Javon Hornbeak’s choice to bring a gun to a fist fight at Garfield Park caused Tornez Burton’s death,”. “Tornez’ family has lost a son, an uncle, a cousin and our community has lost a caring and vibrant young man. The family will live with these impacts for generations to come. Also, two other young men were injured when Hornbeak started shooting, and their lives are forever changed by the experience.”
“Too many guns are in the hands of dangerous criminals,” Shellabarger said. “These tools are worthy of the utmost respect, care and knowledge that they can take a life. Anyone who owns a weapon takes on this sacred responsibility. In this case, Hornbeak used a gun to fire six shots into a group of people: those bullets killed Tornez Burton, and seriously injured Devayjion Blackwell and Jzyeshawn Palmer, causing wounds they will carry for life.”
“Gun violence should not be acceptable in our community,” said Assistant Attorney General Paige Wheeler during today’s sentencing. “The only appropriate sentence the court can give him, to give justice to the victims and the community, is twenty years. The only person who escalated the situation was Javon Hornbeak, when he fired six rounds into this crowd.”
The murder occurred on the night of August 5, 2020, as two groups of people met at Garfield Park to fight. Tornez Burton and Javon Hornbeak arrived together, with Palmer and Blackwell coming toward them with the intent to fight. After Palmer swung on Burton, Hornbeak pulled out a handgun and fired shots, which hit Tornez Burton in the back, struck Palmer in the leg, and struck Blackwell in the leg. Burton died at the scene, Palmer, who was immobilized, was taken to a hospital for treatment, and Blackwell left, seeking his own medical treatment. One of the bullets crashed through a window several blocks from the shooting, and landed on a family’s kitchen table.
“This plea, and sentence, have delivered a powerful message to this community and to these families that choices & actions have consequences, and those who take a life will be held accountable.” Shellabarger said. “Gun violence tears apart families and communities, and must be prosecuted vigorously. If you hurt or kill someone with a gun, you will be punished.”