Topeka man sentenced for role in 2019 shooting of two Lawrence brothers during a robbery

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez today announced that Benson Jerome Edwards Jr., 20, of Topeka, was sentenced to 89 months in prison for his involvement in the shooting during a robbery of two teen brothers at Holcom Park in 2019. 

Judge Sally Pokorny sentenced Edwards to the Kansas Department of Corrections for 89 months for aggravated robbery. Edwards will be subject to 36 months post-release supervision and he will have to register as a violent offender for 15 years.

Charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on March 29, 2019, in which Edwards and Sahavione Keshaun Caraway, 20, of Topeka, robbed two brothers who were shot multiple times in a parking lot at Holcom Park, 2700 W. 27th Street. Judge Pokorny sentenced Caraway to 155 months in prison for attempted first-degree murder and 59 months for aggravated robbery in October 2021.

“My office is committed to combating gun violence in our community and holding violent actors accountable,” District Attorney Valdez said. “Our hope is that today’s sentencing will help the victims and their family as they continue to heal from this horrendous crime.”

The State was represented by Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Tatum. The case was investigated by the Lawrence Police Department.