‘Unmasked’ man shoots store owner, gets 15 years in prison
Julius Rooks was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years in prison for the shooting of a St. Helena Island convenience store owner in December of 2009.
A jury found Rooks, 29, formerly of Ithaca, N.Y., guilty of attempted robbery, assault and battery with intent to kill, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, according to a news release from the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
On Dec. 23, 2009, at about 11 p.m., Rooks entered the Island Plaza on Sea Island Parkway where 59-year-old Jay Patel was working behind the counter, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Rooks approached Patel, demanded money and then shot Patel in the chest. He left without stealing any money.
“Mr. Rooks had the audacity to attempt a robbery and shoot a store owner, unmasked, and then remained on the run for years,” said the case’s prosecutor, Assistant Solicitor Hunter P. Swanson. “Justice was finally served.”
Rooks’ sentence was handed down by Circuit Court Judge Roger L. Couch.
Wade Livingston: 843-706-8153, @WadeGLivingston
This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 10:46 AM with the headline "‘Unmasked’ man shoots store owner, gets 15 years in prison."