MEMPHIS, TN – Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons announced Saturday that a criminal court jury found a Memphis man guilty as indicted for killing a 29-year-old man during an attempted robbery two years ago.
The jury convicted Dearick Stokes, 21, for first degree murder and attempted especially aggravated robbery. Stokes, who was out of custody on bond during the trial, walked out of the courtroom just before the jury returned its guilty verdict and has not returned. The judge issued a bond forfeiture warrant for Stokes, who was apprehended weeks later in Memphis.
According to testimony, Stokes shot and killed Bryan Hachett in July 2008 while the victim was sitting in his car near the intersection of Warren and Alcy in South Memphis. According to testimony, the shooting happened following a failed robbery attempt.
Stokes was automatically sentenced to life in prison. First degree murder is a charge covered by the D.A.’s “No Deals” policy on violent crimes. Exceptions to the policy are made only for legal or ethical reasons.
Assistant District Attorneys Kevin Rardin and Lora Fowler prosecuted this case.