By By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP
Staff Writer
Sekou Thour Rudolph was a young man when he took part in the murder of an Evergreen couple. He will be an old man when he gets out of jail if he ever does at all.
Rudolph, 20, was given the state's maximum sentence by a judge Thursday for his role in the murder of an Evergreen restaurant owner and assault on his wife in January, 2000.
Rudolph and two alleged accomplices were indicted for capital murder and attempted murder. He was convicted by a jury of burglary, robbery, murder and assault.
A co-defendant, David Peters, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for testimony. EPD officials said at the time of the murders that Peters was possibly the driver of a getaway car. He will serve 20 years for his role in the attack and murder.
Chris Tait, who was 17 at the time of the murder, is still awaiting trial.
Guy Chavers and his wife, Linda, were attacked on January 25, 2000, at their home on Liberty Hill Drive in Evergreen.
Chavers, 53, was the owner of Hillside Bar-B-Q in Evergreen. The restaurant was located just down the street from their home.
Evergreen Police said at the time of the incident that the couple were beaten with a tire tool. Chavers' wife survived the attack, but suffered multiple injuries and lacerations to her head. She suffered some lasting injuries as a result of the attack.
Chavers died from multiple injuries, including several skull fractures.
Conecuh County District Attorney Tommy Chapman said the evidence against Rudolph was very straightforward. He said the testimony of Peters and DNA evidence were especially important in the presentation of the case.
Linda Chavers also testified at the trial. She said neither she nor her husband knew the men who attacked them. She said she woke up to men's voices that demanded money from her husband.
Despite the life sentence, Chapman said he was disappointed by the jury's choice of sentences.
Rudolph will be eligible for parole in 10 years.
The trial for the third defendant, Tait, has not been set.