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.
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.
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 said Pope is evil, demonic and showed no mercy.
"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 society.”
Corvette Pope, Denzel Pope's 26-year-old co-defendant and sister, 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
