Durbin sentenced for role in death of Dwayne French

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — One of four co-defendants in the case regarding the murder of Dwayne French learned his sentence Friday.

Richard Durbin appeared in Vigo County Superior Court 3 Friday morning. Durbin had previously pleaded guilty to a level 3 felony charge of aiding in robbery. Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt explained at the time of Durbin’s guilty plea that the plea agreement was offered due to Durbin’s role in the incident.

“The evidence in this investigation showed that Mr. Durbin was the driver of the vehicle involved in the robbery.  The investigation and independent witnesses provided evidence showing Mr. Durbin never left the vehicle, did not directly participate in the robbery, nor was he involved in providing or using any of the weapons involved in the robbery,” Modesitt said. “For his involvement as the car driver in the robbery that resulted in the death of Dwayne French, Mr. Durbin is facing up to sixteen (16) years in prison.”

Friday, Judge Sarah Mullican sentenced Durbin to the maximum sentence of 16 years. Ten years to be served in the department of corrections with six years of formal probation to follow.

Durbin will receive credit for 958 days time served.

Durbin’s codefendants Dwight Brown and Candace Jones have each pleaded guilty in their roles in the incident and been sentenced.

Jesse James Hess remains the only defendant not to plead guilty. Hess is scheduled to for a jury trial on August 12 at 1 p.m. in Vigo County Superior Court 6.

Hess faces the charges of murder, robbery resulting in serious injury, armed robbery, aggravated battery, and battery by means of a deadly weapon.

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