James A. Flannery, a 59-year-old male, was tragically killed on July 30, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio. Flannery, who was working as a pizza delivery driver for Papa John's, was shot during an attempted robbery. The incident occurred when Flannery delivered a pizza to a vacant house on Kenaston Drive, which was part of a planned robbery by three individuals.
The suspects, Latrell D. Richey, Sir Jeffrey S. Carroll Jr., and Jalen D. Hughes, had conspired to rob a pizza delivery driver.
Carroll ordered the pizza and provided the address of the vacant house. When Flannery arrived, the three men confronted him and attempted to lure him to the back of the house. Flannery, realizing something was wrong, threw the pizza and drinks at the men and attempted to flee. Richey shot Flannery in the back, and the suspects fled the scene with the food and money.
Police were able to trace the phone call to Carroll and arrested him. Hughes was identified through an anonymous tip, and Richey was later arrested as well. Carroll pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and received a sentence of nine years and 11 months in prison. Hughes, who was a juvenile at the time, was placed on probation. Richey was found guilty of aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, and kidnapping, and was sentenced to 33 years to life in prison.
Flannery's daughter, Angie Breden, described her father as a man with a big laugh and a penchant for giving tight, bear hugs. She emphasized that he was much more than just a pizza deliveryman.
The case highlighted the dangers faced by delivery drivers and the severe consequences of criminal actions. The sentencing of the perpetrators brought some measure of justice for Flannery's family and friends.
