TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Candace Jones, who was charged for her role in the attack that would eventually kill Dwayne French, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Jones appeared for sentencing in Vigo County Superior Court 3 on Monday. The hearing was the second part of a sentencing initially begun on August 21. Judge Sarah K. Mullican requested additional evidence and testimony following Jones’ guilty plea to the Level 2 felony charge of robbery resulting in serious bodily injury.

Jones was initially charged with murder along with co-defendants Jesse Hess, Dwight Brown, and Richard Durbin. Jones was arrested in August of 2022.

During Monday’s hearing, Judge Mullican heard additional witness statements and arguments from both the prosecution and defense regarding Jones’ role in the proceedings that led to the death of Dwayne French.

Judge Mullican then handed down a 25-year sentence for Jones, with 20 years to be served in prison and the remaining five years to be served on probation.

Due to the cases against Hess, Brown, and Durbin still being underway, Prosecutor Terry Modesitt said he is unable to comment in much detail on Jones’ sentence.

“Because there are three defendants with cases still pending related to this incident, we are unable to comment any further at this time,” Prosecutor Terry Modesitt said. “We continue to work with the family of Dwayne French and the Terre Haute Police Department to resolve the cases against everyone involved in this crime.”

Co-defendants in court

Co-defendant Dwight Brown has reportedly filed a plea agreement with the court and is scheduled for a change of plea hearing on Sep. 21.

Co-defendant Jesse Hess’s case has been continued due to court congestion, with a hearing to establish new pre-trial and jury trial dates on Aug. 31.

Court records indicate co-defendant Richard Durbin had an initial proposed plea agreement filed by the prosecution on Aug. 1. Durbin’s case is set for a status conference at 10 a.m. on Aug. 31. Should a plea agreement not be accepted, Durbin is scheduled for a pretrial conference on Oct. 5, with a jury trial scheduled for Oct. 30.