Robert Allen Young, 24, guilty Wednesday of armed robbery and assault and battery with intent to kill

Jurors found Robert Allen Young, 24, guilty Wednesday of armed robbery and assault and battery with intent to kill after a three-day trial in Spartanburg. Prosecutors said Young shot Dixon "Dick" Ijioma, 48, twice in the head during a holdup at about midnight on Nov. 1, 2006.sentenced to 50 years in prison in the 2006 non-fatal shooting and robbery of a local cab driver
Circuit Judge Derham Cole levied the sentence, and Young must serve 85 percent of the prison term before he is eligible for release, according to the 7th Circuit Solicitor's Office.
Police said Young was riding in Ijioma's taxi when he attacked him near the corner of Longview Drive and Belmont Street, then stole his cab. Ijioma was able to run to Mamasun Cocktails and Dreams on Whitney Road, where employees called 911.
Ijioma told investigators he recognized the robber as a regular customer and later identified Young in a photo lineup, according to the solicitor's office. The clothing Young was wearing at the time was stained with Ijioma's blood.
In a prepared statement, Assistant Solicitor Derrick Bulsa said Young tried to kill Ijioma because he was a "regular" and believed the cab driver could identify him as the robber. Solicitor's office spokesman Murray Glenn said Ijioma later returned to driving a taxi in Spartanburg - although he is too afraid to drive at night - to help support family living in Nigeria.
"He's a good man," Glenn said. "We're glad he's still here."
Young's prior criminal record includes convictions for threatening the life of a public official and drug convictions, according to the State Law Enforcement Division.

Posted in: Spartanburg