Couple Sentenced For South St. Robbery During Which Young Son Was Abandoned
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A Philadelphia couple involved in a child-left-behind jewelry store robbery nearly two years ago on South Street (see related story) has been sentenced.
John Benson, 48, was given a sentence of 30-72 years in prison. Co-defendant Sheakia Stubbs, 32, got 11-23 months of probation with credit for time served, and immediate parole. Both were also ordered to pay restitution of about $30,000.
Benson was convicted of attempted murder for the slashing of the owner of the Platinum Ice jewelry store, in the 600 block of South Street, before getting away with a tray of rings (another related story).
The couple's son, four years old at the time, was left behind as the pair fled. Both parents were found guilty of child endangerment.
The child has since been adopted by Stubbs's brother.
Outs side the Criminal Justice Center today, family members of John Benson say Stubbs's sentence was too lenient.
"There was two people involved in this here, and I feel as though a mother should be a mother, and there is no way in God's heaven she should just walk away," said Denice Benson, John's older sister.
Benson's attorney is preparing to file an appeal.
Reported by John McDevitt, KYW Newsradio 1060
