34 year old Ruben Corzine, who was sentenced to 50 years in prison earlier this month for murdering Jennifer Phelps, was back in Wabash County Circuit Court yesterday asking the judge to reconsider his sentence.
Corzine had sent a letter to Judge Kimbara Harrell asking to be resentenced and be allowed to make a statement of allocution to express remorse for the January 2020 murder at the couple’s Cherry Street home.
Corzine was afforded the chance to make a statement at his September 10th sentencing, but declined claiming anxiety prevented him from speaking. Over the objection of state’s attorney Kelli Storckman, Harrell allowed Corzine to speak to the family members in attendance in the Wabash County courtroom. In his brief statement, Corzine apologized for stabbing Phelps 37 times saying he never meant that to happen. He said he hoped family members found it in their hearts to forgive him.
After the statement, Harrell denied Corzine’s request to reconsider the sentencing of which he’ll have to serve 100% of the 50 years.
On July 15th, Corzine pled guilty to first degree murder but during this month’s sentencing, Harrell changed the plea from guilty to guilty but mentally ill. That will allow the Mt. Carmel man to receive treatment for mental issues while in prison.
After the hearing, he was taken back to the Wabash County Jail where he is awaiting transfer to the Department of Corrections.
WSJD File Photo: Ruben Corzine is led back to the Wabash County Jail on July 15th after pleading guilty to 1st degree murder.