Teen accepts plea deal in murder of 17-year-old girl, sentenced to up to 22 years in prison
A teenager accepted a plea deal on Friday for killing a 17-year-old girl and is due to serve up to 22 years and eight months in prison.
Wake County Superior Court Judge Keith Gregory sentenced Devin Cordell Jones to a prison sentence between 18 years and 22 years, eight months for the second-degree murder of Veronica Baker.
Gregory also requested from Department of Corrections for Jones to not have access to educational and vocational classes for the first five years he is incarcerated.
On Aug. 15, 2020, Baker was shot and killed in the parking lot of the Bojangles at 3920 Jones Sausage Road. Jones was 17 years old at the time.
James Baker, the victim's father, said he thinks Jones should have received a longer sentence.
"Honestly, the system is not designed for the victims," James Baker said. "I think you should’ve gotten a lot longer. I’m glad that he did get the time that he got, and I’m glad the judge did what he did.
"The judge was great. This process has been really really long. We are happy to get it behind us."
Three others — Keyshara Michelle Deans, 19, Nezyiha Zamir Collins, 19, and Tyreek Qumay Rogers, 18 — were charged with felony accessory for helping Jones after Baker's death.
Veronica Baker was a graduate of Garner High School.
James Baker told WRAL News in August 2020 that his daughter knew Jones and that the two went to school together.
On Friday, James and Laura Baker gave impact statements. Laura Baker said she waits for her daughter to come home everyday.
"You took away the biggest part of my soul," Laura Baker told Jones. "[Veronica] was my soul."
James Baker said he was not allowed to go to the coroner's office because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first day James saw his daughter's body was the day before his birthday.
"We buried her the day after my birthday," James Baker said. "It still seemed like a dream until the headstone was placed, and that's when I lost it.
"I'll never celebrate my birthday again. My birthday is a reminder of the worst day of my life."
James Baker also remembered his daughter.
"My daughter was my everything," James Baker said. "She was the best thing that ever happened to me."
Laura Baker echoed her husband's sentiments.
"We will never have a daughter back, but we can keep her memory alive, and that’s what I try to do," Laura Baker said. "I talked to her every day and that brings me comfort."
Jones' lawyer spoke on his behalf saying that his client was "sorry," and that Jones "didn't know how this happened". When asked if he had anything to say, Jones said no.
