Inmate convicted of killing
Fellow prisoner at Lieber stabbed
St. George — A guilty verdict on Thursday brought a small measure of comfort to family members who had waited for justice during the year and a half since James C. Belli Jr. was slain while imprisoned at Lieber Correctional Institution.
A Dorchester County jury deliberated about six hours before finding Jaquan Ferrell guilty of murdering Belli at the Ridgeville prison on Aug. 23, 2006. At the end of the three-day trial, the jurors accepted the state's argument that Ferrell had stabbed the fellow prisoner several times with a shank.
Diane DiLorenzo said that before her 19-year-old son's death, she had hoped prison would help him reform and put his life on the right path. He never had the chance.
"I would speak to James daily and visit him every weekend," DiLorenzo told the court before sentencing. "I witnessed the change in him and was excited about it. He would often say to me, 'Mama, I just want to come home.' We looked forward to that day."
Belli's fiancee, Rebecca Dugan, spoke of losing the chance to have children with him and expressed contempt for the accused: "(W)hat he did to my fiance was inhumane. ... He not only took James' life, he took mine as well."
Ferrell remained expressionless through the end of the trial. First Circuit Judge Diane Goodstein sentenced the 22-year-old to spend the rest of his life behind bars without the possibility of parole.
Before the new sentence, Ferrell had been serving 30 years after pleading guilty to several charges on March 9, 2006: murder, assault and battery with intent to kill and three counts of armed robbery in Colleton County and an additional three counts of armed robbery in Orangeburg County.
Closing arguments left the jury with this decision: had prosecutors, despite imperfect evidence, managed to string together enough to give a basic outline of who killed Belli? Or, as the defense said, did prosecutors lure the jury into an enthralling murder mystery, only to let them down by failing to reveal what actually happened?
The story involved a cast of characters with heavy-duty rap sheets and unusual nicknames.
Others in the prison knew Ferrell by the nickname "Sticks," which some during the trial pronounced as "Stick." Goodstein prohibited the news media from revealing the names of inmates who appeared on the witness stand, citing a fear for their physical safety. In support of this action, she cited a rule of appellate procedure allowing a judge to refuse, limit or terminate media coverage of an entire case or portions of it if necessary to provide testimony from certain witnesses.
Belli was doing his stint in prison for a burglary charge and other property crimes. Inmates called him Lil' Jay.
First Circuit Deputy Solicitor Don Sorenson said Belli spent his time at Lieber being terrorized by another prisoner who happened to be Ferrell's cellmate. After the attack, investigators searched the cell the two shared. They found a shredded pair of pants bundled up and a small bloodstain from Belli on the seat of the pants Ferrell was wearing. Ferrell wasn't wearing a shirt. The cellmate's pants showed no traces of blood.
In his closing, Sorenson supplied a theory about Ferrell flushing the shirt and blood-soaked portions of the pants down the toilet.
Though some testimony seemed to point to other individuals, nobody else has been charged.
At various stages, the judge denied motions from defense attorney Kenneth Cooper to take the verdict away from the jury because prosecutors presented insufficient evidence.
The murdered inmate's father, James Belli Sr. of Tennessee, thanked the inmates who testified. He said he felt the Department of Corrections had failed to protect his son but that he was appreciative of the prosecution's efforts.
"At least in the end, there's hope because the system redeemed itself," he said. "If there would've been a not guilty verdict, we never would've had closure."
Reach Noah Haglund at 937-5550 or nhaglund@postand courier.com.
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Comments
This article has 41 comment(s)
Posted by mggoose2000 on January 18, 2008 at 6:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This story should be on every TV station, radio station and every front page of every paper in SC. It should be broadcast over the intercom at the high schools. This is what can happen to you if you do stupid things with your life.
Unfortunately, kids today think that Mommie and Daddie can just come down to the jail an take them home if they mess up.
Another arguement that the Shelvino boy should not be put in prison with hardened criminals. We all know that there are gangs operating in the prisons, so why would you put a non-violent criminal in a population of violent criminals?
Posted by SCgal on January 18, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And with Shevlino having the hardened criminals, murders, child molesters as his "mentors" for 24 hrs/day x 10 yrs during his developmental years
how does society, the judicial system, prosecutor, judge, lawmakers expect him to benefit mentally, psychologically, and socially and what will they then face at his release at age 25 after being a part of that lifestyle for 8.5 to 10 years?
Posted by FortDorchesterMom on January 18, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you, MGGOOSE. Why would a non-violent offender be place in Lieber?? I'm going to keep a close watch on where the Wando boys are placed...I'm glad that this family has some sort of justice, but they will never see their son again. This was supposed to be a wake-up call for their son, but instead it was a death sentence. Shameful.
Posted by FortDorchesterMom on January 18, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SCGAL, you have made an excellent point. There is no counseling, no continuing education(after your GED) so, what will these boys be doing? Nothing that they will learn in prison is going to benefit them...but, they will definitely learn all of the things we don't want them to learn.
Posted by ChrisPia on January 18, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Diane, I hope this brings a little closure.. My heart and prayers go out to your family.
Posted by SCgal on January 18, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
But that's SC and it's judicial system~ a child may chronologically be 14, 16 or 17 but that doesn't mean cognitively or psychosocially they are advanced at the same level~
Maybe society should insist prosecutors, lawmakers, and judges take a few good Child Development courses, to include psychosocial and cognitive development if they want to continue to try kids as adults in the judicial system~
Posted by FortDorchesterMom on January 18, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SCGAL, even 12 year olds are adults in South Carolina. I think it's going to take a long time for people to see the light..there is just absolutely no way that prison..especially an adult prison can benefit a child.
Posted by charlene68 on January 18, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
YeAH,,, THEY SENTNECED HIMTO THE REST OF HIS LIFE BEHIND BARS .. HMMMMM.... LETS SEE HOW MANY MORE HE KILLS, HELL HE KNOWS HE AINT GOING NO WHERE NOW, WHAT DOES HE HAVE TO LOSE.... DONT YOU HATE JERKS LIKE THIS..... I HOPE HE GETS WHAT HE DESERVES IN THERE AND MORE...
Posted by ChrisPia on January 18, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Early, For Once I would have to agree with you(ouch that Hurt!)..He was in prison for Murder and killed another prisoner..If This is not a death Penalty case I don't know what is?
Posted by patricia on January 18, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a tragedy and not the first to happen to youth placed in adult prison. Go listen to "If I Get Out Alive,narrated by Diane Keaton, http://www.lcmedia.com/getout.htm I appeal to everyone to help get these laws changed where no young person under the age 18 is tried and sentenced as an adult and sent to adult prison. Read what Fort Dorchester Mom said. They are among hardened criminals who have nothing to lose. Please help by writing your legislators,and please sign the petition for juvenile justice reform, http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeactio...
Posted by ChrisPia on January 18, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Raregar67 What is Black Crime? Crime is Crime No matter the race. The Problem is that some jail systems mix VIOLENT criminals with the General Population and Don't have the manpower to observe them at all times....Juveniles Should Not be placed in these Situations.
Posted by Girleygirl on January 18, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Chris- There is no need to respond to rare---the comments are just that rare..she/he has so many opinions on black people and our appearances that I can only assume he/she race is perfect. I can't call her white, I know she aint black, if she/he hates blacks so much, I'm sure they feel the same about Hispanics, Indians, and Asians...
Another young black male killed a young white male and that's the problem...not the jail that put them in general population together. Wow Rare thanks for the info....
Posted by yeayea on January 18, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ferrell has been found guilty of 2 murders? Sounds like a serial killer, where's the outrage?! That kid Shelvino has 8 1/2 years of this... Good Luck buddy!
Posted by eyfigueroa on January 18, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dang rare: wow! Do you really believe that racially we are physically different? That we are different species and shouldn’t intermingle? I guess you’re against miscegenation as well.
I have to admit, it’s refreshing to see someone be so honest about their racism (the idea that one race is superior to others). That’s the glory and benefit of the internet, the 21st century white sheet. Imagine the time saved not having to cut out eye holes.
Posted by Perspective on January 18, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Since when did Armed Robbery become a non violent offense.
For those who continually refer to the Wando Robbers as non-violent it should have been your friends and relatives robbed of their safety, trust, and innocence. Victims of armed robbery often face years of disfunction requiring counseling for PTSD, etc. What if your child couldn't sleep at night and was scacred to go out because of these "non-violent" offenders? What if you ended up divorced because your spouse found it difficult to cope following being robbed of their personal safe and ability to feel secure in a public environment.
Yep those boys sure were non-violent offenders - weren't they! They stole far more than a few dollars.
Ten years might be a little long, but they deserve years of feeling alone and scared. The same emotions they dished out to their victims at the Food Lion and Subway. It doesn't matter if the gun was fake or if they only served as a look out.
Armed Robbery is a violent offense!
Posted by FortDorchesterMom on January 18, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Perspective, James Belli was in prison for burglary. That's is a non-violent crime when compared to rape or murder. When we talk about the boys from Wando..it's because as young as they are, they don't need to be in an adult facility with hardened nothing-to-lose inmates. James Belli is a prime example of what can happen.
Posted by SCgal on January 18, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"News 2 talked with the two victims of the Subway robbery to hear their reaction on the sentence. Rashed Ali told News 2, "I think its too much. They didn't come in and push anybody around. 10 years is a little too much. I was thinking maybe three years probation and then community service."
http://www.counton2.com/midatlantic/cbd/...
Posted by SCgal on January 18, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
News 2's Jenny Fisher sat down with Solicitor Wilson and talked about the sentence the family called too harsh. Jenny said, "There's times in bond court where rapists are out in under 10 years.
Did you feel armed robbery was the charge or could you have lessened it?" Wilson replied, "I certainly have the authority,
but what people need to understand is when we negotiate sentence that is less what may be expected, in a rape chage, that's because we have an evidentiary issue...we have a problem proving our case."
This judicial system is in need of some serious review, IMO.
Posted by Girleygirl on January 18, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rare- you eat your own nasty shorts. Who said that they were picking on the lone white boy in jail...you did! Both of these guys are young but yet the black kid has more street smarts because he's black and 22 right according to your way of thinking.
By the way jails were segregrated back in the days and it did not work out.
But let's go ahead and separate these beastly black boys away from these good white men thats in jail since all white men are helpless and don't do any crime when they are in jail...just the blacks
Posted by JohnS on January 18, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Speaking of youth in adult prison. I remember a fellow would come by the college many years ago and do grounds work. He was on work release for robbing a 7-11 when he was 18 and was about to get Parol. He spent most of his time in Columbia. He said he was rough at first as he was kicked in the head a number of times. He learned the guards don't want you to complain or fuss about anything. If a family has someone in prison it may not be wise to give them too much canteen money as the things they buy will just get taken away by the older convicts.
Posted by FortDorchesterMom on January 18, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There are so many people in prison that don't have anything...no family to put money into their canteen. So, the first rule is NEVER let them know how much money you have, and when it's time to go to the canteen..get just what you need to get by. You can be blackmailed for some canned food in prison, so that is what these boys will be dealing with..
Posted by eyfigueroa on January 18, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rare: nope, can't says that I am. Nothing in my posts can indict me as a racist. I wholeheartedly believe that every single human being is equal, in the sense that no one race/ethnicity is inherently better than the other. This is what YOUR post suggested. In case you forgot what you posted: "Wonder why they don't mix lions and mountain goats in the same enclosure?” If I remember correctly, people used that rationale to fight against integration, interracial marriage, etc.
“Putting a young 1st timer in w/ older, streetwise, prisonwise, predatory, BLACKS is cruel and inhumane treatment. This isn't racist, it's common sense.”
If you weren’t suggesting that those black inmates were somehow inferior to the (white) 1st timer why even mention black? Your sentence would have had greater validity without that word. Example: “Putting a young 1st timer in w/ older, streetwise, prisonwise, predatory, (INMATES) is cruel and inhumane treatment.” NOW THAT STATEMENT IS TRUE.
But nooooooo you had to insert race. And if you look at all of the posts you were the first & only one to do so. Girleygirl and I were just rebutting your position.
I do agree w/many other posters, non-violent criminals being housed w/hardened-nothing to lose-violent offenders often end in very tragic circumstances.
Posted by STREETWISE on January 18, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW YOU GUYS ARE A TRIP!, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO "IF YOU DO THE CRIME YOU DO THE TIME"? JAILS ARE NOT SEGREGATED. YOU DON'T GET TO GO TO THE "GOOD PEOPLE JAIL" YOU SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT YOUR SAFETY, YOUR FUTURE, AND IF YOU CAN FIGHT!BEFORE YOU MADE RESERVATION AT THE JAIL. IF ANY THOUGHT PROCESS WAS IN PLACE FOR ANYONE WHO COMMITS CRIMES THE JAILS MIGHT NOT BE SO OVER CROWDED. SO WEATHER THEY ARE KIDS, OR ADULTS, IF YOU HAVE THE BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF RIGHT AND WRONG ABIDE BY IT. F.Y.I. YOU CAN DO UP TO 10 YEARS IN AN SC JAIL FOR NON-FELONIES. HANG IN THIER FORTDORTMOM!
Posted by Girleygirl on January 18, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Streetwise- I was being sarcastic. I know jails aren't segregated anymore.
I'm just laughing because of all of these "good" people that are in jail that are afraid for their safety.
I never heard of a good person in jail either. What a oxymoron.....
Posted by justafan on January 18, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"if you do the crime,do the time" is ok...if the time fits the crime(situation).
In the Wando case the system had the opportunity to save these kids from 8.5 years of hell and let them become productive members of society. Instead they will be a burden for the next 10+years.
I hope these people come to thier senses before the rest of the Wando kids get sentenced.
What they did was wrong and they deserve punishment not torture.
Posted by bwynn on January 18, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rare did not see the news when murderers like Jeffery Dahmer, Robert Lee Yates, Theodore Bundy....to name a few! Foolishness comes in ALL Colors! Get a life! These postings should not be used to vent your ignorance. The family of the victim have my condolences.
Posted by patricia on January 18, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think you have gone too far Mouth of the South. I believe in a healty debate and understand not everyone agrees that is what a forum is about; but for you to say something like this is shameful, disgraceful,cruel, and hurtful.
Posted by RTC on January 18, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mouth, you are totally disgusting. There is no need for a comment like that. Do you have a child? If you do, I feel sorry for him/her.
I do believe that you are one of the past posters that was kicked off of the forums for crude comments.
There but for the grace of God....
Posted by alwaysamazed on January 18, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow. I don't even know what to say about Mouth's comment. His mentality is the same as the mentality of the man who murdered James Belli....shame on you, where is your humanity??? I believe that you've said enough, big Mouth. You need to move on. You don't contribute anything, and you spew hate.
Posted by STREETWISE on January 18, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RAREGAR67
YOU SHOULD BE BARRED FROM SPEAKING! I HOPE NOBODY KNOWS WHO YOU REALLY ARE 'CAUSE I SURE WOULDN'T WANT ANYBODY TO KNOW I KNEW ANYONE LIKE YOU!
THOSE TWO PARENTS / FAMILIES MIGHT BE GOING THROUGH HELL BUT MAYBE THOSE KIDS SHOULD HAVE READ THE STATUTES, CODES, AND THE LAW BOOKS BEFORE COMMITTING CRIMES. YOU FEEL SORRY BECAUSE THEY ARE WHITE? PROOF POSITIVE BLACK CHUR'IN AIN'T DA ONLY ONES BAD. KIDS AT THIS AGE ALL TRY TO GET AWAY WITH SOMETHING. SOME DO AND SOME DON'T. THEY WERE OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER. "IF YOU KNEW BETTER YOU WOULD DO BETTER". WHAT IF YOU WERE BEHIND THAT COUNTER GETTING ROBBED. OH! MY BAD, YOU PROBABLY WOULD HAVE SAID THEY WERE BLACK KNOWIN' YOUR WARPED THOUGHT PROCESS!!LMAO @ YOU!!
Posted by buttercup on January 18, 2008 at 7:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tell me what it is going to take for some of you guys to realize that Anthony & Sean are Men not children in the state of South Carolina .They committed the crime it does not matter first second or third, crime is a crime armed robbery is nothing to play around with. The state can not make special arraignments for these men. Maybe the state should put them up in a motel room with armed guards for 10 years. If you want to make changes call or write you congressman. What going to happen is going to happen and there is nothing any of us can do about it. I hope and pray that they make it thru all of this better men.
Posted by STREETWISE on January 18, 2008 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CVS, KUDDOS TO YOU!!! RAREGAR67 IS OFF BY A COUPLE OF TICKS!!
BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE DOCTORS WOULDN'T WANT TO DEAL WITH THAT EITHER. TO MUCH WORK NOT ENOUGH MONEY!!
OBAMA 4 PRESIDENT.....2008!!!
I'LL TELL SOMEBODY TO DIG A HOLE FOR RAREGAR67 IF THAT HAPPENS HE/SHE WILL NEED A NEW HOME THEN!!!
Posted by STREETWISE on January 18, 2008 at 8:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THANK YOU BUTTERCUP!
CRIME IS CRIME IS CRIME! IT HAS NO COLOR AND IT HAS NO GENDER.
IF THEY KNEW BETTER THEY WOULD HAVE DONE BETTER.
I FEEL FOR THE PARENTS OF THOSE CHILDREN AND ALL FAMILIES IN THIA SITUATION. BUT UNFORTUNATLEY IN THIS DAY AND AGE WE ALL HAVE TO WORK AND CAN'T BE IN TWO P[LACES AT ONCE. WE JUST HOPE THAT OUR CHILDREN LISTEN AND ABIDE BY OUR RULES.
THAT DOESN'T ALWAYS HAPPEN. JUST SO YOU KNOW JAIL IS NOT A PLACE FOR REHABILITATION IT JUST MAKES YOU BETTER AT WHAT YOU HAVE ALREADY BEEN INVOLVED IN. IT'S UP TO THAT PERSON TO CHANGE THIER WAYS 'CAUSE JAIL AIN'T GONNA TEACH YA!
Posted by SCgal on January 18, 2008 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
buttercup, how do any of us know the cognitive, psychosocial, and developmental stages for any of the kids who commit crime?
What is it that you know that we don't that determines the Wando kids were men?
And why do you believe KIDS should be subjected to the environment of ADULT prison while they serve their punishment?
What benefits vs. what damage will occur to KIDS in ADULT populations?
This article is one outstanding example as to WHY KIDS should NOT BE in an ADULT POPULATION!!
Posted by SCgal on January 18, 2008 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Taking a criminal out of circulation does not mean they should be murdered, abused, et. al while out of circulation!
Posted by patricia on January 20, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Please don't forget to go sign the petition, Juvenile Justice Reform, http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeactio... Children need to be punished but in the Juvenile Justice System; and they should be entitled to an opportunity for rehabilitation, counseling, and education within the juvenile justice system. We must do away with mandatory sentencing and change the age limit so those under 18 are not tried and sentenced as an adult.
Posted by dianed43 on January 20, 2008 at 11:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
thank you!!!!!!this is james' mom. sign the petition. i have already met with a senate committee and we are trying to change the canteen system. inmates work the store so they have access to what other inmates balances are and what they spend. housing is the next hurdle. inmates need to be housed with those that committ like crimes.
Posted by SCgal on January 21, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Petition signed!!
Posted by SCgal on January 22, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.juvenilejusticefoundation.com...
Posted by IsaacLC on January 27, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dianed,
I have tried to send you some emails through this site and before I can finish typing out a full message, the page refreshes. So, I don't know if you have received any of the messages. If not, please contact me, if you can. I'm a juvenile advocate and would really like to speak with you.
Thanks!
Posted by dianed43 on January 28, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
IsaacLC......i don't know how to contact you. email me directly at dianed43@yahoo.com