Sentencing for Johnny Jones adjourned to June 4th

MILWAUKEE -- The case has gone on for two-and-a-half years, and Thursday, May 24th, the sentencing of Johnny Jones was delayed again.

The sentencing was adjourned until Monday, June 4th.

Jones is the man who pleaded guilty to several charges in the death of 21-year-old Shanica Adkins near Sherman and Center in Milwaukee back on New Year's Eve 2009. Adkins was struck by an SUV fleeing from Milwaukee police. Jones was behind the wheel of that SUV.

Donta Brown was severely injured in the incident.

Jones pleaded guilty to homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle, hit-and-run involving death and hit-and-run involving great bodily harm.

A clearly frustrated Judge David Borowski postponed Jones' sentencing Thursday for 10 days. Jones' attorney said he was unprepared because of an issue regarding Jones' situation with the Department of Corrections and the fact that his family was unable to make it to court Thursday.

"I'm not prepared to proceed properly with Mr. Jones' sentencing hearing. We did do the plea just two days ago, and at the time, was fully prepared for the trial, but had not spent any time considering sentencing," Jones' attorney, Michael Hicks said Thursday.

"I am very displeased with this situation. This case needs to be brought to a conclusion. It's not particularly fair to the victim's family - either victim's family," Judge Borowski said.

Judge Borowski explained to the victims' families why he made the decision to adjourn the case Thursday.

"The problem is, frankly, that's a possible issue on appeal, and then we would have to redo this in potentially a year, a year-and-a-half, which is further unfair to everyone involved," Judge Borowski said.

Family members were not happy with the decision made in court to delay sentencing.

"I just need it to be over with. He's still going through a lot. By him keep coming to court, it's not making anything better," Brown's fiance, Mary Bickham said.

"We were really expecting to get this over with today, so unfortunately, we have to come back once again. Hopefully that will be the last time," Adkins' father, Darnell Adkins, Sr. said.