Four Teens Charged With Capital Murder After Allegedly Fatally Mugging 87-Year-Old WWII Veteran

Four Mississippi teens who police say killed an 87-year-old World War II veteran during an Oct. 18 mugging on his own driveway have been charged with aggravated murder.

Terrance Morgan, 19, Edward Johnson, 19, Leslie Litt, 18 and Geblonski Murray, 18, were arrested Monday and charged with capital murder, robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery, Police Chief Andrew Kaho said, according to the Delta Democrat Times.

The police chief said Lawrence E. 'Shine' Thornton of Greenville was attacked in his driveway during an evening mugging in which two men "pushed him down and stole his wallet."

Lawrence E. Shine Thornton. (Image Source: Facebook)

The WWII veteran was airlifted to a local hospital, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries and died.

Morgan was reportedly denied bond by a judge Wednesday. Johnson and Geblonski's bond was reportedly set at $3 million and Litt's was reportedly set at $2.5 million.

Hours before the mugging, Thornton had been crowned king of the local Delta Hot Tamale Festival, according to the New York Daily News.

The local festival later honored the veteran on their Facebook page.

"Our love and prayers go out to your family," the post read. "And you will forever be our King Shine."

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