Murder suspect to apply for youthful offender status

FLORENCE — The 17-year-old charged with the death of a 13-year-old during what authorities said was a robbery attempt will apply for youthful offender status.

Cameron Leonard Phinizee of Russellville and his attorney, Tony Hughes, informed Lauderdale County Circuit Court Judge Carole Medley of their intention to apply for the status during Phinizee’s arraignment on July 31.

Medley scheduled a youthful offender status hearing for Sept. 9.

Youthful offender status can be considered for a defendant who is less than 21 years old when the crime occurred, Medley explained during the July 31 hearing.

She said under Alabama law, if youthful offender status is granted, the defendant is tried without a jury, and if found guilty is adjudicated as a youthful offender.

That would mean the defendant would face up to three years in the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections and could be on probation for up to three additional years, Medley said.

Hearings would not be open to the public if youthful offender status is granted.

A Lauderdale County grand jury returned an indictment charging Phinizee with felony murder and first-degree robbery in the March 26 death of 13-year-old Ryland Calvert.

Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly said Phinizee and Calvert had planned to rob someone at Southern Oaks Village apartments, but the person shot and killed Calvert.

The shooter was not charged after the grand jury determined he acted in self-defense.

The grand jury found that Phinizee is legally responsible for Calvert’s death since he was part of the robbery attempt that resulted in the death.

Phinizee is out on a $60,000 bond but must wear an ankle monitor, Connolly said.