John Edgar Barton, aged 85, tragically lost his life on November 29, 2018, in Sacramento, California. The incident occurred during a violent robbery at his residence. On that fateful day, Barton was at home when two armed men, Khalil Sabree and Cochese Stevens, entered with the intent to rob a marijuana dealer who was also present at the scene. The situation quickly escalated into a deadly confrontation.
As the dealer attempted to defend himself, a gunfight broke out, during which Barton, who was sitting in his easy chair watching television, stood up to intervene. Unfortunately, he was shot in the chest by Sabree, resulting in his immediate death.
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office swiftly launched an investigation into the incident. Within days, they identified and arrested Cochese Stevens, who was found hiding under a neighbor's car. Khalil Sabree was apprehended later, already in custody on unrelated charges. Both suspects faced multiple charges, including murder with special circumstances, first-degree robbery, and firearms enhancements. A third accomplice, Khali Brown, who had been waiting in a car nearby, was also arrested and charged with first-degree robbery.
The legal proceedings were extensive and culminated in March 2024, when a jury convicted Sabree and Stevens of murder with special circumstances, among other charges. Brown was convicted of first-degree robbery. The court sentenced Sabree and Stevens to life in prison without the possibility of parole, while Brown received a seven-year prison sentence. The case highlighted the dangers associated with violent crime and the swift justice served by the Sacramento County legal system.
