A tragic incident that claimed the life of 47-year-old Jen Angel, a beloved baker and community figure, has ended with a seven-year prison sentence for the perpetrator. According to a report by Law and Crime on Saturday, August 10, 2024, the sentence was handed down after a plea deal was reached in the case.
Jen Angel, the owner of the popular bakery “Angel Cakes,” was violently killed in February when 19-year-old Ishmael Jenkins Burch attempted to snatch her purse as she was leaving her bakery in downtown. As Angel fought back, Burch managed to start her car and sped away, dragging her more than 50 feet before she was thrown to the ground. She sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following a city-wide manhunt, Burch was arrested the next day and faced charges of second-degree murder, robbery, and assault. However, in a plea deal, the murder charge was dropped in exchange for Burch pleading guilty to manslaughter and robbery. This resulted in a seven-year sentence, a decision that has stirred mixed emotions within the community.
Many in the community, who knew Angel for her generosity and kindness, feel that the sentence does not adequately reflect the gravity of the crime. Angel Cakes was more than just a bakery; it was a community hub where Angel’s warmth and compassion touched everyone who walked through the door. The outpouring of grief after her death was immense, with hundreds attending her memorial service to share stories of her selflessness.
Despite the relatively light sentence, Angel’s family has expressed relief that the legal proceedings have concluded. “This has been the hardest year of our lives,” said her sister, Elena Martinez, in a statement. “We miss Angel every day, and nothing will ever bring her back. But we have to try and find some peace, and this plea deal allows us to start that process. It’s not the outcome we wanted, but it’s the best possible outcome we could have hoped for under the circumstances.”
The plea deal, reached after lengthy negotiations, reflected concerns from prosecutors about the challenges of securing a murder conviction, particularly regarding the issue of intent. In exchange for Burch’s guilty plea to lesser charges, the prosecution avoided the risks of a lengthy trial with an uncertain outcome.
During sentencing, Burch, who had a prior criminal record, expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “I never meant for anyone to get hurt. I was desperate, and I made a terrible decision. I’m sorry for what happened to Ms. Angel, and I will live with that guilt for the rest of my life.”
While some in the community remain frustrated by the sentence, others understand the family’s decision to accept the plea deal as a way to move forward. The district attorney’s office emphasized that the decision was made in consultation with Angel’s family, aiming to provide a measure of justice while sparing them the trauma of a lengthy trial.
In addition to his prison sentence, Burch will face five years of post-release supervision, during which he must participate in mandatory counseling and community service.