WILMINGTON, DELAWARE – A man was found guilty by a New Castle County jury for assaulting a store owner during a jewelry heist in 2022. Calvin Ushery, 40, was convicted of assault, robbery, and a weapons charge after surveillance footage was circulated by his family following the violent robbery at Solid Gold Jewelers in downtown Wilmington.
This was Ushery’s second trial on charges related to the robbery, with the first trial resulting in a hung jury. Prior to the latest trial, Ushery rejected two plea deals from prosecutors, potentially facing a sentence ranging from seven to 75 years in prison if not declared a habitual offender. Sentencing is scheduled for July.
The surveillance video captured the attack and robbery, showing a man wearing a COVID mask and sunglasses entering the store, assaulting the 68-year-old store owner with a hammer. The robber then proceeded to gather jewelry from the store, periodically striking the owner again as he did so. The store owner spent four days in intensive care following the attack.
Prosecutors presented evidence, including surveillance footage of Ushery attempting to sell jewelry at local pawn shops, linking him to the stolen goods. They emphasized similarities between Ushery and the robber in appearance, behavior, and cell phone location data. Deputy Attorney General Jamie McCloskey urged the jury to consider the overwhelming evidence against Ushery.
In his defense, Ushery’s attorney argued that the focus on Ushery as the sole suspect was unfair, pointing out discrepancies in witness testimonies and emphasizing that visual similarities do not prove guilt. The defense also highlighted inconsistencies in the evidence and suggested that the actions attributed to the suspect were not reflective of Ushery’s behavior.
Ultimately, the jury found Ushery guilty based on the prosecution’s case. The case has drawn national attention for its violent nature and the compelling evidence presented during the trial. The outcome of the trial underscores the importance of thorough investigation and presentation of evidence in criminal cases.