Local

Killer of Jacksonville's Shelby Farah sentenced to life in prison

James Rhodes Jacksonville Sheriff's Office booking photo of 21-year-old James Xavier Rhodes (Jacksonville Sheriff's Office)

The man accused of killing a Metro PCS clerk in 2013 has been sentenced to life in prision following a guilty plea to murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

James Rhodes was arrested for the shooting 20-year-old Shelby Farah execution style.  Attorneys for Rhodes had been trying to get the death penalty taken off the table.  But former State Attorney Angela Corey was adamantly opposed.

Farah's mother has said she does not want Rhodes to face the death penalty.

During a powerful victim impact statement, Darlene Farah looked at Rhodes and said, "You ripped my life from underneath. I cry every single day. I don't sleep."

Farah told Rhodes she has been waiting for this day.  "For three years and seven months it took the life out of me", Farah said.

Rhodes had been released from prison prior to Farah's shooting after serving three years for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Police said Rhodes went into the Metro PCS on North Main Street with a gun, demanded money and then shot Farah three times after she handed him the last bit of cash.

Stay with News 104.5 WOKV for updates on this developing story.