Adult Time for Adult Crime: Eric Hancock

Cully Stimson / October 22, 2009

On November 9th, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments challenging the constitutionality of juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) sentences. In preparation for oral arguments, JLWOP: Faces & Cases will be an on-going series on The Foundry that will tell real stories about juvenile offenders who are currently serving LWOP sentences.

Defendant: Eric Hancock (15)
Victim: Jamal Mouzafar
Crimes: Criminal homicide and other charges
Crime date: August 26, 2007  in Pittsburgh, Penn.

Summary
Eric Hancock shot and killed a clerk while robbing a local convenience store.

Facts
Jamal Mouzafar was born and lived in Syria. After an accident, one his legs was amputated, and he came to the United States for medical treatment. He lived with his uncle, owner the A&E Deli Food Mart, where he worked as a clerk and cashier. Eric Hancock patronized the delicatessen frequently, and Mouzafar and his uncle had even offered Hancock a job.

In the summer of 2007, Hancock and his cousin Jeremy decided to rob a store. Hancock suggested that they rob the A&E Deli because it was nearby. (more…)