The teenager who shot and killed a Centennial teen during a vape juice robbery was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years.
Demarea Mitchell
Arapahoe County District Court Judge Ben Leutwyler sentenced Demarea Mitchell, 19, of Aurora, for his role in the murder of Lloyd Chavez IV. The victim was 18 years old and a student at Cherokee Trail High School when he was shot and killed outside his home on May 8, 2019.
A jury found Mitchell guilty July 16 of felony murder, attempted aggravated robbery and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery.
“When a gun is involved in a crime, bad things happen,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “This defendant was there to take something that was not his. He was old enough to appreciate the consequences of bringing a loaded gun to a robbery and using it.
“This crime has created a great absence in the Chavez family, and Lloyd cannot be replaced. We will never know what he would have contributed to our community.”
Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Gallo tried the case with Deputy District Attorney Gwenn Sandrock.
“We’re very grateful for the jury’s consideration of this case, and the verdict which they returned,” Gallo said. “That verdict and this sentence recognize the gravity of this defendant’s offense, and the long-reaching effect of this crime.”
The victim’s father spoke on behalf of his family during the sentencing hearing.
“We lost a life that day. This is completely senseless. Why would anyone do this to him?” the father said. “The defendant gets to see his family, but we will never see Lloyd again.”
Sandrock gave the Sept. 22 sentencing argument.
“This defendant willingly participated and he knew there was going to be a robbery. He could have chosen not to participate,” she said. “He took the gun and he used it. It was this defendant who pulled the trigger and fired the bullet. His actions led to Mr. Chavez dying in front of his family in his living room.”