Justin M. Sharp, 25, of Springfield, Illinois, was found shot to death in a yard on the 2700 block of Whittier Avenue on January 31, 2014. He was born August 4, 1988, and is survived by his parents Mike and Jackie Sharp, siblings, extended family and nieces and nephews. Justin had played soccer at Sacred Heart Griffin High School, enjoyed skateboarding, and was baptized in the Methodist faith.

Authorities said Justin was reportedly a marijuana dealer and that the killing followed a violent encounter at his home. Three people — Korodney Jones, Floyd Williams, and Demetriana Ross — were arrested and initially charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, and home invasion; each later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Floyd Williams, described as the alleged shooter, received a 20-year sentence; Korodney Jones received 10 years; Demetriana Ross received five years after cooperating and leading police to the others involved. Prosecutors said the defendants planned to argue self-defense and that second-degree murder applied where someone acted unreasonably believing they were defending themselves.