Judge awaits information from Supreme Court in sentencing of James Rhodes

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said 21-year-old James Rhodes has confessed to the killing of 20-year-old Shelby Farah.

Rhodes, who was accused of murdering Farah three years ago inside a Metro PCS store, went before a judge on Monday. He is charged with murder, armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The lower court is waiting to learn of the changes to the status of the death penalty by the United States Supreme Court before they prosecute the defendant.

In court, Rhodes didn’t appear remorseful when he was standing before the judge. Shelby Farah’s mother, Darlene, and her other children were visibly upset in the courtroom.

“Please just take his offer, give him two life sentences plus 20 years," Darlene Farah said. "I’m good with that. I mean, my daughter was bawling and crying in the conference room because she’s just tired of it.”

Family members said and they’re asking the state to stop trying for the death penalty.

“We feel like nobody is listening to us when we’re the ones who have has to go through this. All it’s doing is causing more harm,” said Darlene Farah.

Rhodes had been released from prison prior to this shooting after serving three years for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

JSO said Rhodes went into the Metro PCS on North Main Street with a gun, demanded money and then shot Farah three times after she handed him the last bit of cash.

The next status hearing will be in January 2017.

Cox Media Group