21-year-old gets 65-year sentence in 2006 South Bend murder

Tribune Staff Report

Tools

Larry Mitchell was sentenced for the murder of Ja-Vonda Tharbs

A judge sentenced 21-year-old Larry Mitchell of South Bend to 65 years in prison Friday morning, Jan. 11, 2008, for the murder of Ja-Vonda Tharbs in 2006. (Photo provided)

By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: Jan 11, 2008 at 12:55 PM EST

Story Updated: Jan 11, 2008 at 1:54 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — A judge sentenced a 21-year-old South Bend man to 65 years in prison Friday morning for the murder of Ja-Vonda Tharbs in 2006.

Tharbs, 16, was shot at her sister’s Beacon Heights apartment while waiting to go to the prom. Her shooting reportedly was an act of retribution and she was not the intended victim.

Judge John M. Marnocha gave Larry R. Mitchell the maximum sentence he could after noting that the nature and circumstances surrounding the killing could have made for a death penalty case.

The judge also referred to a 2005 interview in Sight-360 magazine in which Mitchell talks about street violence. The judge said he read the interview "with interest," adding that "it doesn’t surprise me a bit that you are where you are given the views you expressed in that article."

"The maximum sentence is reserved for the worst offenders and you are the worst offender," Marnocha told the defendant.

Tuesday, Nov 4 at 12:40 PM T-Dog wrote ...

was up bro we fams

Monday, Sep 15 at 7:13 PM Ms. Na Na wrote ...

Everybody pointing the finger at Jermaine and Terry what about the Groves brothers??? They are not innocent either. This mess has being going on 4 so long thats why dirt is where he at!!!!

Saturday, Aug 2 at 11:11 AM Mz. Thang wrote ...

Real Talk... Mister is tried of all the blame being put o nhim...now he talking..yea he admitted shooting kissy but jason n cheif n terry were the ones who talked him into it while they were gone off them pillz...why terry nem aint do it since It Was His Momma Who GoT Shot??? Man They All Some Punks...

Wednesday, Jul 30 at 8:11 PM anon wrote ...

He should just get the death penalty. That way, we won't have to pay for his room and board for the next 65 years. I mean, who cares?? He's a murderer. No loss. Our city will be a little bit better without him running the streets.

Wednesday, Jul 30 at 7:46 PM MISSY wrote ...

To all MISTA STUPID friend's and family, he did it and you know he did fools.

Wednesday, Jul 30 at 7:45 PM Mike wrote ...

I'm having a real hard time reading some of these comments. What the heck is a "mista". See ya in about 33 wannabe thug. Don't drop the soap, someone as pitiful looking as you might get taken advantage of. Remember, there's no guns in prison, you actually have to fight now. Most of these idiots are nothing anyways unless they have a gun in there hand. To scared to fight, nothing more than some over grown whimps.

Monday, Jun 9 at 3:19 PM Big J wrote ...

Man thats some B/S man because how just gone blame somebody over jail talk specially from somebody that killed another innocent person free my child hood homie and R.I.P kissy....

Tuesday, May 27 at 6:21 PM His Love wrote ...

first of all there was no evidence to convict him of this bull. I knew kissy and i knew that mista would have never done anything to hurt her. U people just wanted to have someone to point the finger at. And who better than someone sbpd had it in for already anyway. Now,yes, someone is paying for her death but its the wrong man. I KNOW THAT FOR A FACT. Her killer is still among us without a care in the world b/c everything is 'cool' now. Bottom line having someone to blame wont bring kissy back.

Tuesday, May 27 at 2:26 PM DA StreeTZ wrote ...

They dont even have any real proof of this murder.my regards to kissy and her family but if u dont hav real evidence u dont have nething in court.FREE LAKE SIDE MISTA!!!

Friday, Feb 1 at 3:15 PM Anonymous wrote ...

How about a young man serving a 55 year sentence when he was innocent and offered 15 years to begin with...The judge saved his conviction for the worst cases...Whats with 55 years for the innocent to scared to rat out the real killer???I just pray after 12 years served and finally getting back to court god and the judge spare him anymore time...Not everyone is guilty and some do deserve this and even death..What about he scum that really killed and is running free?

Monday, Jan 14 at 11:31 PM resident wrote ...

he should have gotten life or death. but not 65 yrs. this little girl died to young and now the family is at a lost and why should he be allowed a second chance. it sounds like he will never change. rest in peace little one.

Monday, Jan 14 at 2:00 AM Kirk wrote ...

Nah only feed and clothe him for 32.5 years if he keeps his nose clean..1 day credit for everyday served..That's so stupid, even if he would have gotten the death penalty he would still sit there for 32.5 years before they sent him to take a dirt nap.

Monday, Jan 14 at 12:48 AM Not Surprised wrote ...

Have you ever wondered how many of these low lifes that kill people are black?

Sunday, Jan 13 at 11:47 PM In God We Trust wrote ...

Now what about the other shooting that took place at the other apartment complex with the lady being Shot with her 2 grandchildren in the home when someone kicked her door in and shot her have anyone thought about that.True no one deserve to be shot over nonsense its Black on Black crime thats the said part about it come on people lets just try to get alone with each other then we all can leave in peace

Sunday, Jan 13 at 3:17 PM AUNT BUNNY wrote ...

HMMMM LET ME SEE, SO THIS SCUM LAID AN WAITED TO KILL MY NIECE SO HOW CAN WE PURSUE THE DEATH PENALTY OR SHOULD I SAY CAN THE CONVICTION BE CHANGED TO A DEATH PENALTY. CAN SOMEONE ANSWER THAT QUESTION I FEEL LIKE THIS, A LIFE FOR A LIFE!

Sunday, Jan 13 at 3:09 PM AUNT BUNNY wrote ...

WHY DO WE NEED JAIL SNITCHES TO CONVICT THAT MURDERED, HIS OWN COUSIN TESTIFIED AGAINST HIM,LIKE HIS COUSINS STATED KILLING MY NIECE WAS NOT GANGSTA.....LETS SEE HOW GANGSTA MISTER IS NOW DOING 65 YEARS.

Saturday, Jan 12 at 12:27 PM AUNT BUNNY THARBS wrote ...

KISSY CAN NOW REST AND PEACE. I WILL SEE YOU WHEN I GET THERE KISS, LOVE YOU AUNT BUNNY

Saturday, Jan 12 at 12:25 PM AUNT BUNNY THARBS wrote ...

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE SBPD FOR A JOB WELL DONE THE THARBS FAMILY CAN NOW STAND TALL AND WAIT FOR THE NEXT 3 ARREST.

Saturday, Jan 12 at 11:37 AM Indiana wrote ...

Now we get to feed & clothe him for 65 years. Wouldn't it have been easier just to put him out for target practice?

Saturday, Jan 12 at 10:38 AM Jennifer wrote ...

Finally getting what the jerk deserves, using that gun really made ya all big and bad didnt it? And thats probably the only way you can defend yourself. Pitiful! Have fun in jail when you get your rear kicked, id pay to see it!!!

Saturday, Jan 12 at 9:36 AM Holly Tharbs wrote ...

I really miss and Love my cousin Kissy, I think that the 65 year sentence is not long enough to replace the life of her. This was a very loved and postive person she didn't deserve that! I Love U Kissy!! Bug

Friday, Jan 11 at 11:20 PM Winston wrote ...

It's a shame that society has to work so hard, and jump through so many hoops, to finally remove a retarded sociopath from our midst. We know they're all over the place, these brain damaged thugs wandering around with their pants around their knees like they just got off the short bus, but we can't do anything about it until they kill somebody. That has to change or it will get worse. We won't be able to hide in our middle, upper middle class neighborhoods.

Friday, Jan 11 at 8:01 PM S. B. Resident wrote ...

GOOD RIDDANCE! Think I found the article online that the judge read. Chilling to say the least and he's right where I would have expected him to be if I read that article in '05. If these thugs want to kill each other off, I say put them on a deserted island when caught and let them do it if they're that COLD of an individual if it means another innocent victim isn't caught in their cold-hearted world. My heart continues to go out to the victim's family, I'm sorry for your loss.

Friday, Jan 11 at 6:55 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Where is the gun & why are the "jail snitches" the only evidence that convicted "MISTER" of the murder? WOW, that is a whole lot to convict a person...

Friday, Jan 11 at 4:56 PM Phil wrote ...

Another gang bangin thug off to the big house....bye bye

Friday, Jan 11 at 4:29 PM Anonymous wrote ...

What goes around comes around..People should think before they react..Ja-Vonda did not deserve that.

Friday, Jan 11 at 4:23 PM Jay wrote ...

I agree --- maybe he can screw up in jail so he stays there even longer.

Friday, Jan 11 at 3:22 PM Mike wrote ...

It is great to hear that a real thug has been taken off the streets of our community. It is nice to see Judge Marnocha really send a message to this thug

Friday, Jan 11 at 3:13 PM Jeanette wrote ...

Thank the Lord!!!

Friday, Jan 11 at 3:09 PM Anonymous wrote ...

best news ive heard all day!! great job!

Friday, Jan 11 at 2:40 PM JOE wrote ...

GREAT JOB SBPD AND MHU!!!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

WSBT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, or remove user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum. Items that may be considered inappropriate to post are those containing profanity, hatred, or insensitive, vulgar, unlawful or threatening comments.
Countdown to Digital TV:

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 13
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
Jeopardy!
7.30
Wheel of Fortune
8.00
CSI: NY
9.00
CSI
10.00
Eleventh Hour
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
Late Show with David Letterman
12.35
Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

Question of The Day

How often do you check your smoke detectors?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.