AKRON, Ohio — Denzel Pope, 20, was given a life sentence today in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas for his role in the death of 24-year-old Paige Calich last year.
Judge Christine Croce handed down the sentence. Pope will be eligible for parole after serving 30 years.
Pope was found guilty earlier this month on the following charges:
- Two counts of murder with a 3-year firearm specification – (an unclassified felony)
- Two counts of felonious assault with a 3-Year firearm specification – (F2)
- One count of having weapons while under disability – (F3)
Calich was killed in front of her home on Socrates Place on July 28, 2024. She was killed in front of her 3-year-old son. Her 7-year-old daughter "feet away", according to prosecutors.
Neither was injured physically from the gunfire.
When the Akron Police Department arrived, they found her in a doorway, shot multiple times. She was transported to the hospital, where she later died.
Prosecutors proved Pope's sister, Corvette Pope, got into a fight with Calich at the Summit Lake apartments.
Two hours later, Corvette returned with Denzel, who used a shotgun to kill Calich after she followed her son outside of their apartment.
After the murder, Denzel went to Chicago where he was arrested.
Watch more about the case below:
RELATED: 1 suspect in custody and another sought for the death of 24-year-old Paige Calich in Akron
Family friend Chelsea Jones said during the sentencing that she’s caught in a nightmare she can’t wake up from.
"No explanation. No justification. Just ill intentions. You took her from us, from her kids who will never be able to feel their mother's love again," Jones said. "[Paige was] someone truly rare, someone who made the world a better place by just being in it, honestly."
Family friend Winter Carter called Denzel Pope evil and demonic, adding that he showed no mercy.
"You are deeper than a coward. You are nothing," Carter said.
The victim's friends were glade that freedom was taken away, but it didn't lessen the pain of their loss.
"She loved her children. She loved her family. She loved her community, and most importantly, she loved her life," Carter added.
During the sentencing, Croce said, “I find that you are a true danger to this society and it is the worst form of the offense."
Before the murder, Denzel Pope was already under investigation. He was facing several charges, including aggravated robbery, and was indicted in Mahoning County.
But prosecutors said he posted a $25,000 bond to get out of jail in June of 2024. He murdered Calich a month later.
"This is one of those guys that I'm glad the judge recognized is a danger to all of us. He shows no remorse," said Brian LoPrinzi, chief of the criminal division for the Summit County Prosecutor's Office.
When asked if he wanted to make a statement before sentencing, Denzel Pope said no.
Corvette Pope pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter, a second-degree felony, and one count of obstructing justice, a third-degree felony. On Monday, she was sentenced to 5 to 7 1/2 years behind bars.
Watch more on her sentencing:
RELATED: Woman sentenced in connection with Paige Calich's 2024 homicide in Akron
