Jury Recommends 20-Year Sentence For 3 Inmates Guilty In Jail Beating Death

Twenty years in prison, that is what three Oklahoma County jail inmates found guilty of beating another inmate to death now face.

The jury that convicted the men came back with the verdict Friday afternoon.

The three inmates convicted of second-degree murder late Thursday night were escorted back to the courtroom to hear their punishment. They hugged their attorneys after hearing the verdict and were escorted out in handcuffs.

Antonio Ligons, Martaveous Gillioms and Todd Miller will spend 20 years in prison for the jail beating death of Maurice Pendleton.

“I think justice had been served,” said Mae Pendleton, victim’s mother. “But it won’t bring my son back. I know it won’t bring my son back.”

Pendleton was attacked by the men on an unsupervised basketball court on the 8th floor inside the Oklahoma County Jail last July. Witnesses testified there also were not working cameras on the floor.

“He was placed in a situation where it got him killed,” said Damario Solomon-Simmons, family’s civil attorney. “So ultimately while the individuals are being held responsible, I think the family feels the ultimate responsibility is the county jail.”

A four inmate, Hareth Hameed was also charged but the jury found him not guilty.

Pendleton’s family said the murder trial may be over but their civil case against the county continues.

Read Related Story: Family Files Wrongful Death Suit Against OK County Sheriff, Commissioners

“I don’t only blame the inmates,” said Shonda Pendleton, victim’s sister. “I blame the county jail. They need better healthcare and better systems for emergencies.”

The three men were also convicted of felony gang association. That carries a five-year prison sentence.