Richard A. Edwards Jr. : “2021 Robbery Murder: Killer Sentenced to Life”

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Philadelphia Man Sentenced to Life for Murder in Upper Darby

A Philadelphia man has been handed a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the shooting death of 28-year-old Richard A. Edwards Jr. in Upper Darby in April 2021. The sentencing was delivered by Common Pleas Court Judge Margaret Amoroso.

Crime and Sentencing

Antonio Kelly, a 21-year-old resident of the 2600 block of North 24th Street, was found guilty of second-degree murder in January for Edwards’ slaying. In addition to the life sentence, Kelly was given a consecutive 352 to 884 months for an armed carjacking that occurred two days prior to the murder.

Details of the Incident

The carjacking took place on the 7800 block of Westview Avenue in Upper Darby on April 7. The victim reported that he was warming up his blue Volkswagen Jetta when two men approached and stole his vehicle at gunpoint. Video surveillance footage showed one of the robbers wearing a distinctive puffy jacket, which played a crucial role in linking the two incidents.

Subsequent footage from various cameras in the area showed the stolen Jetta being driven around the neighborhood. Two men matching the descriptions from the carjacking were also seen walking in an alley behind Galloway’s Pub and the 7200 block of Guilford Road, leading to the location where the fatal shooting occurred.

Investigative Findings

Although the shooting itself was not captured on video, evidence collected at the scene indicated that Edwards had been shot twice in the torso and left upper extremity. It was later determined that a 9 mm Luger recovered from a house on McKinley Avenue was the firearm used in the murder.

While Kelly initially denied involvement in the shooting, surveillance footage from a convenience store and his own statement to police ultimately led to his arrest and conviction.

Impact on the Victim’s Family

During the sentencing hearing, friends and family members of Richard Edwards Jr. spoke about his kind and generous nature. Edwards was described as a beloved member of the community, known for his willingness to help others and his positive attitude.

His mother, Regina Walter, expressed the profound loss and pain experienced by the family following Edwards’ death. She described her son as a gentle soul who brought joy to those around him and lamented the fact that she can no longer hug him or hear his voice.

Defendant’s Statement and Family Response

Despite being convicted of the crime, Antonio Kelly continued to maintain his innocence during the sentencing hearing. His family members also spoke in his defense, portraying him as a non-violent individual.

Judge Amoroso, however, emphasized the seriousness of the charges and noted the lack of remorse displayed by Kelly. She highlighted the impact of Edwards’ final moments, as captured in the 911 call, and underscored the need for justice in the case.

As Kelly begins his life sentence, the community mourns the loss of Richard Edwards Jr. and seeks closure in the aftermath of this tragic incident.

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