The first defendant convicted in the gruesome 2007 execution-style slayings of three Newark college friends—and attacking and sexually assaulting a fourth, who survived—was sentenced Thursday to three consecutive life terms in prison plus 20 years. The 245-year-sentence means Rodolfo Godinez must serve at least 218 years for his convictions on murder, felony murder, robbery and weapons charges.
Terrance Aeriel, Iofemi
Hightower and Dashon Harvey were killed
August 4, 2007 when they were shot execution style. Aeriel's sister was shot and sexually assaulted but survived. Harvey
and Hightower were openly gay. The friends
"planned to drive together "to New York City the next morning to attend a
black Gay Pride event. Hightower,
a lesbian, was also sexually assaulted. All four victims were enrolled or about to be enrolled at Delaware State
University.
Godinez is the first of three adults and three teens to be tried for the violent gang initiation. In 2007, Rod 2.0 reported one of the teen suspects attended high school with one of the gay victims—and this may have been among the reasons the victims were targeted. Prosecutors declined to file hate crime charges because the victims' families "did not want" the deceased identified as gay.
R20's complete coverage HERE.
Watch ABC 7's report WHEN YOU JUMP ...
This is great news.
Posted by: FREELEO | 09 July 2010 at 18:20
Justice finally
Posted by: nathans | 09 July 2010 at 19:24
This was such a sad crime. I can't believe it happened in 2007 it seemed like it happened so much sooner. I'm glad the families got some justice but I still feel sad that they declined to file hate crime charges for the reasons they presented.
Posted by: cullen | 09 July 2010 at 21:07
And we have to support his fat ass in prison for how long? A bullet would be a much better option.
Posted by: WoodieSD | 09 July 2010 at 23:34
It is a shame that even in death these students have to hide. Their parents are still denying their children. Sigh.
Please rest in peace Terrance, Dashon, & Iofemi.
Posted by: lilkunta | 10 July 2010 at 03:00
BRAVO!!! MAY THEY ROT IN HELL AFTER THEY ARE KILLED IN PRISON!
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE VICTIMS' FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Posted by: Distant Lover | 10 July 2010 at 04:16
This piece of dirt got what he deserved, I want more public 245 year sentences to let people know they can't get away with such hateful crime.
It's unfortunate the victim's families are denying their children's truth, but hopefully they will come round and become activists to make sure this type of violence and intolerance doesn't take anyone else's son/daughter.
Posted by: Procrastination_Xtravaganza | 10 July 2010 at 08:50
Sick bastard deserved every year he got!
Posted by: MW09 | 10 July 2010 at 12:04
some good news from an otherwise sad story
Posted by: ff | 10 July 2010 at 17:11
Should have gotten the death penalty! But this will do!
Posted by: MRCHOCOLATE615 | 11 July 2010 at 11:16
i was an incoming freshmen @ DSU when all this happened. Dashon was my tour guide;I remember him saying he hated going home to Newark. He said someone is always getting killed and that next month his life was taken. It was such a sad time at Del State. He was involved in a lot of postive things @ DSU. I'm just glad they got justice finally. R.I.P. Dashon,Terrence, and Iofemi.
Posted by: Mo Pope | 15 July 2010 at 21:59