Sims Found Guilty Of Murder In Mass College Hill Courts Shooting; Gets Life Prison Sentence

  • Saturday, April 8, 2017

A Criminal Court jury Friday found Cortez Sims guilty in a mass shooting at College Hill Courts in early January, 2015.

He was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Talitha Bowman, who was shot twice in the back.

Sims was also found guilty of attempted murder in the shooting of Bianca Horton, her daughter Zoe Horton and Marcel Christopher.

He was found guilty of possession of a dangerous weapon during the commission of a felony.

Sentencing will be May 22 on the cases other than the first-degree murder.

Bianca Horton was gunned down last year and her body dumped by a road. Her recorded testimony was played to the jury in the courtroom of Judge Barry Steelman. No arrest has been made in her slaying.

Zoe Horton was left paralyzed from the chest down.

Marcel Christopher said at the time of the shooting that Sims did it, but he refused to testify at the trial.

The state said Sims and Christopher were in Bloods gangs that were in a feud.

The defense put on no proof and had no final argument.

The jury deliberated about seven hours before bringing in the verdicts shortly after 11 p.m.

It was a sequestered jury.

Breaking News
Red Bank Continuing Mission To Care For Neglected Cemeteries
  • 4/17/2024

Red Bank is continuing the mission to care for once forgotten and neglected cemeteries in the city. A cemetery citizens’ advisory board was formed last year to rehabilitate the small Red Bank ... more

County Residents To Vote On On-Premises Liquor By The Drink
  • 4/17/2024

The County Commission voted on Wednesday to allow a referendum on on-premises liquor by the drink in the unincorporated county. The vote will be on the November ballot. Commissioners Greg ... more

Sheriff's Detective Injured When Dragged By Suspect's Car Wednesday Morning
Sheriff's Detective Injured When Dragged By Suspect's Car Wednesday Morning
  • 4/17/2024

A Hamilton County Sheriff's detective was injured Wednesday morning during an attempted arrest. At approximately 10:50 a.m., preliminary information obtained at the scene indicates Hamilton ... more