A Florida judge has sentenced Savonne Morrison, 21, to 45 years in prison for his involvement in the 2022 murder of Jeffrey Chapman, 49. The sentence was handed down Monday by Judge Elizabeth Jack.
Morrison was on probation for a carjacking conviction at the time of Chapman's death. He had been released from prison only four months prior to the murder. According to court proceedings, Morrison was 18 at the time of the killing.
Chapman was attacked and beaten to death with a tire iron near Clearwater Beach. Prosecutors stated that Morrison and his accomplice, Jermaine Bennett, had no prior connection to Chapman and killed him senselessly. Surveillance footage previously shown to jurors depicted the brutal nature of the attack.
Chapman's daughter, Sierra, addressed the court via phone, describing her father as having been "murdered for sport." She highlighted Morrison's probationary status at the time of the crime, questioning what further chances he might be given after committing murder on a second chance.
Morrison's father submitted a letter to the court, asserting that his son was misunderstood and portrayed inaccurately. However, a probation officer described Morrison as a "danger to society," according to Assistant State Attorney Thomas Koskinas, who had sought a life sentence for Morrison.
The court heard that Morrison's prior carjacking offense occurred when he was 15. He and two others were involved in the armed carjacking of a young man. The victim of that assault, Benji Joseph, testified that he suffered extensive injuries, including requiring surgical reattachment of his ear, and continues to experience pain.
Morrison's defense attorney argued that a life sentence would violate Supreme Court precedent regarding juvenile offenders. Ultimately, Judge Jack sentenced Morrison to 15 years for manslaughter and an additional 30 years for violating his probation from the carjacking charge. These sentences are to be served consecutively.
