Edward Blackburn has been given the maximum allowable sentence of 65 years in prison for the murder of Cord Colgrove. During Friday’s sentencing hearing, Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall noted a number of aggravating factors, including a criminal history with multiple felonies and misdemeanors. Hall also pointed out that Blackburn was on probation for a felony count of wire fraud, and as part of that, was legally barred from owning a firearm, when he shot and killed Colgrove in March of 2017.
Blackburn’s attorney, Caroline Briggs, argued that while the jury did not find the killing to be in self defense, it was still a mitigating factor. But Hall said the evidence presented during the trial didn’t fit that narrative. He noted that Blackburn never attempted to call for help, but instead, he reportedly ran away, asked friends to help him escape, burned his truck, checked into a hotel under a false name, tried to escape out of a window, and when police caught up with him, told them to shoot him.
When police questioned Blackburn, he denied any knowledge of the killing. Hall also pointed out that a witness testified that several days before the killing, Blackburn implied that he might use the gun if he ever ran into Colgrove, although Blackburn said that never happened.
During Friday’s hearing, the court heard testimony from Blackburn’s mother and stepfather. His mother told Colgrove’s family that she was truly sorry for their loss, but that the true victims were Blackburn’s five children, who looked up to him. She also said her son was not a murderer, but ran away because he was scared and then had “older, wiser idiots” push very bad advice.
Blackburn also gave a brief statement, in which he called Colgrove’s killing a tragedy and said he never meant for it to happen. But he pointed out that he was chased down and threatened, and said it’s reasonable to expect someone in that situation to defend themselves. Blackburn also felt he didn’t have a fair trial, which Judge Hall disputed.
Blackburn said he plans to appeal his sentence and asked for a court-appointed attorney to represent him. Hall agreed to his request.
