3 Sentenced To Federal Prison For 2011 Midland Drug Robbery Murder
By: Dylan Brooks
Updated: January 31, 2013
MIDLAND -- Three men will spend decades in federal prison for murdering a man during a botched drug robbery at a Midland apartment complex.
Edwin Ledell Smith Jr., Reginald Omar Anders Jr. and Grant Fowler were sentenced in federal court in Midland Thursday.
The sentences come months after the 3 men were convicted of federal charges for using a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, robbery and aiding and abetting.
Smith, 21, was sentenced to 35 years in prison without parole or probation, and he'll have to complete a 500 hour drug treatment program.
U.S. District Judge Robert Junell has also ordered that Smith get his diploma, avoid contact with Fowler and Anders and join a work force program.
Fowler, 20, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole.
Anders, 22, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole.
All 3 men will also have to pay $12,000 in restitution.
Smith, Anders and Fowler murdered Tovorian Carter during a botched drug robbery at the Park at Caldera apartments around 1 AM on December 23, 2011.
According to court documents, Smith and Fowler kicked down Carter's door at the complex that night -- only to find Carter, 25, pointing a gun at them.
Drug Enforcement Agents say that Smith fired at Carter twice, with the first round misfiring. The second round hit Carter -- and Smith and Fowler took off with Anders, empty-handed.
Carter was rushed to Midland Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
D.E.A. agents reportedly found 14 pounds of marijuana in Carter's apartment. They believe that Smith and Fowler were planning on robbing Carter at the time of the incident.
Authorities also say that Anders was the getaway driver for Smith and Fowler.
Anders, Smith and Fowler were arrested on December 31, 2011.
Edwin Ledell Smith Jr., Reginald Omar Anders Jr. and Grant Fowler were sentenced in federal court in Midland Thursday.
The sentences come months after the 3 men were convicted of federal charges for using a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, robbery and aiding and abetting.
Smith, 21, was sentenced to 35 years in prison without parole or probation, and he'll have to complete a 500 hour drug treatment program.
U.S. District Judge Robert Junell has also ordered that Smith get his diploma, avoid contact with Fowler and Anders and join a work force program.
Fowler, 20, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole.
Anders, 22, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole.
All 3 men will also have to pay $12,000 in restitution.
Smith, Anders and Fowler murdered Tovorian Carter during a botched drug robbery at the Park at Caldera apartments around 1 AM on December 23, 2011.
According to court documents, Smith and Fowler kicked down Carter's door at the complex that night -- only to find Carter, 25, pointing a gun at them.
Drug Enforcement Agents say that Smith fired at Carter twice, with the first round misfiring. The second round hit Carter -- and Smith and Fowler took off with Anders, empty-handed.
Carter was rushed to Midland Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
D.E.A. agents reportedly found 14 pounds of marijuana in Carter's apartment. They believe that Smith and Fowler were planning on robbing Carter at the time of the incident.
Authorities also say that Anders was the getaway driver for Smith and Fowler.
Anders, Smith and Fowler were arrested on December 31, 2011.
