Family of victim tells his killer, 'Rot in prison'

Samuel James, 20, of Minneapolis was sentenced for two drive-by killings in 2006. He will spend at least 40 years.

By Rochelle Olson, Star Tribune

Last update: October 9, 2007 - 7:53 PM

A 20-year-old Minneapolis man will spend at least the next 40 years in prison for his role in two drive-by shootings last year.

Samuel James pleaded guilty to second-degree intentional murder last month in the killings of Darrion McClinton and Anthony Baca in May and June 2006.

"I just want to say 'I'm sorry' to the family. I wish that day wouldn't have happened," James said Tuesday.

Wearing baggy orange jail garb, James hung his head and clasped his hands behind his back as Judge John Holahan pronounced his sentence. "You can begin serving your sentence now, sir," Holahan said.

James left the courtroom to derisive comments from Baca's friends and family: "Good luck."May you rot in prison."

James was sentenced to 30 years on each conviction; the sentences will be served consecutively and he has the possibility of parole after 20 years for each.

In a victim-impact statement, Baca's aunt Tiffnie Green wrote from her nephew's perspective. "I have many friends that are true to me and me to them. I miss them. Why am I gone?" she wrote.

His grandmother Sharon Green said she had raised Baca since he was 11. Last year, the family raised enough money to send six teenagers to a basketball camp in Pennsylvania in Baca's honor.

"My Anthony was a good human being and did not deserve to die at the young age of 24," she said.

Of James, she said, "I believe him to be a total misfit."

James was accused of pulling the trigger in the May 2006 gang shooting of McClinton, 21, of Brooklyn Park. McClinton was not the intended target, but was hit in the head by one of several bullets fired. His companions dropped him off at Hennepin County Medical Center, where he died several days later. His family was unable to be present for sentencing.

When pleading guilty, James said his friend Ramone Vercher, whose nickname is Bone Crusher, shot McClinton. Vercher already is in prison. James admitted to helping track down McClinton, whom he and the others in the car believed to be a rival gang member.

James also was in the car with Vercher in June 2006, as they hunted down Baca. They also believed him to be a rival gang member.

Defense lawyer Mary Mateer said Vercher was the ringleader, not James.

"Frankly, my client isn't bright enough to make some of those decisions," she said.

Rochelle Olson • 612-673-1747

Rochelle Olson • raolson@startribune.com

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