MEMPHIS, TN – Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons announced Friday that a criminal court jury found a Memphis teen guilty as indicted for the murder of a 79-year-old man who was found shot to death outside his south Memphis home in 2007.
Devaron Taylor, 19, was convicted of first degree murder during the perpetration of aggravated burglary. Taylor, who was 17 years old when the crime was committed, was automatically sentenced to life in prison.
According to testimony, on September 25, 2007, Maurice Pegues, was found dead outside his home in the 2100 block of Goff off of South Cooper. Testimony revealed that Mr. Pegues returned home that night to find two burglars inside his house. The medical examiner ruled the victim’s death a homicide and that he suffered gunshot wounds to the abdomen. Neighbors said Mr. Pegues was a beloved resident of the block on which he lived.
A juvenile court judge transferred Taylor to criminal court following a hearing to be prosecuted as an adult.
Co-defendant Alvin Gordon, 19, is awaiting trial. He is being held on $5 million bond.
First degree murder is covered by the D.A.’s “No Deals” policy on violent crimes, which also applies to juveniles who are prosecuted as adults. Exceptions to the policy are made for legal or ethical reasons.
Assistant District Attorneys Ray Lepone and Collin Campbell prosecuted this case. Both are assigned to the D.A.’s Gang and Narcotics Prosecution Unit. |