An Endicott man charged with the 2024 shooting death of 20-year-old Qualyn “Rocky” Terry was sentenced in Broome County Court for unrelated charges.
Joziah Worthington, 21, was previously charged with second-degree murder while acting alone or in concert with another person and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in connection with Terry’s death.
Worthington appeared in court on Dec. 3 for sentencing, just over three months after he was found guilty of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon by a jury on Aug. 28.
These charges, which are not connected to Terry’s death, arose from an incident that occurred on May 31, 2024, in the Village of Johnson City. The indictment alleges Worthington and another man knowingly possessed a loaded firearm outside of a home or place of business.
A potential plea deal in relation to these charges was discussed in November 2024, but it was dismissed after Worthington was charged in connection with Terry’s death.
What was said at the sentencing
At the sentencing on Dec. 3, Broome County Assistant District Attorney Clair Pelella said Worthington has “failed to accept responsibility in this case.”
Worthington’s attorney, Keith Dayton, said he intends to appeal the decision rendered by the court and that his second-degree murder indictment in connection with Terry’s death “should not be held against him” in this case.
Broome County Court Judge Carol A. Cocchiola, who agreed with Dayton, said she did not consider the indictment when making a decision on the length of Worthington’s sentence.
Worthington was charged with possessing a stolen 9 mm Glock handgun which, when assembled, has a magazine that is three times the legal limit. Cocchiola said there was “absolutely no reason” for Worthington to possess “such a gun.”
Worthington was sentenced to a total of 16 years − nine years in prison with five years post-release supervision for second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and seven years in prison with three years post-release supervision for third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
There is currently no trial date for the second-degree murder charge.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Endicott man accused in Qualyn ‘Rocky’ Terry shooting sentenced in separate case
Reporting by Jillian McCarthy, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
