Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Former Football Player Lavon Chisley Denied Motion To Vacate Murder Conviction

Former Penn State defensive end Lavon Chisley, who’s currently serving a life sentence for a murder he was convicted of on September 28, 2007, was denied a motion for Post-Conviction Collateral Relief.

The victim — 26-year old Penn State student Langston Carraway — was found in his residence deceased, having sustained 93 wounds to his body. Chisley’s motive was said to be financially based, given the fact that he was in debt and knew the victim kept large sums of money in his home, according to acquaintances and witnesses statements at the time.

Chisley claimed the all-white jury was biased against him, and that his attorney failed to call character witnesses and was ineffective in obtaining expert testimony to challenge the Commonwealth experts’ reports, according to a press release. The trial court found that Chisley’s claims didn’t meet the necessary prerequisites for an evidentiary hearing, dismissing the motion without a hearing.

This is not the first time Chisley’s attempted to lessen his charges. He previously filed for an appeal to the Pennsylvania Superior Court, but the appeal was denied and the murder convictions upheld. This was likely Chilsey’s final hope for an appeal.

A once talented pass-rusher, the 6-foot-5 Chisley was a touted prospect, hailing from football hotbed Westlake High School in Maryland. As talented as he was, trouble seemed to follow Chisley during his time in Happy Valley. Chisley was dismissed from the football team in 2005 for academic reasons prior to the murder, but he remained in State College.

In the release, District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller stated, “This marks the final major challenge this Defendant could mount against his conviction. We are pleased to see finality to such a serious matter as a homicide case where an innocent life was taken.”

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Patrick Koerbler

Patrick Koerbler is a senior Journalism major/History minor from the mean streets of Palmerton, PA. His career goals include becoming the Director of Public Relations for the New York Yankees, and co-hosting a Penn State football podcast with Matt McGloin. Patrick is also a ledge, his interests include sandwiches, and his best friend is Andrew Wiggins. For more fun, you can follow him on Twitter -- @GoodDudePat -- or contact him via email at patrickkoerbler@onwardstate.com. Go Sixers.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
157kFollowers
55.7kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
State College Links
Other posts by Patrick

Embrace The Journey: Patrick Koerbler’s Senior Column

I’m leaving Happy Valley knowing I’ve made the memories of a lifetime — and for that, I’m grateful.

Jordan Lucas Picked No. 204 Overall By The Miami Dolphins

Recruiting Talk: Offensive Line, Linebackers, And Five-Star Recruits

[Photo Story] Penn State vs. Northwestern

After a soggy football Saturday, we rounded up our favorite photos from Penn State’s win over Northwestern.

Penn State Relay For Life Raises $41,519.93 Virtually

The event was done virtually this year due to the coronavirus, however many teams still participated in the event remotely.

Where To Eat In State College Late At Night: Your Penn State Drunk Food Guide

From tacos to pizza to egg rolls, State College has it all when it comes to late-night drunk food.

[Photo Story] Penn State vs. Northwestern

After a soggy football Saturday, we rounded up our favorite photos from Penn State’s win over Northwestern.

[Photo Story] Penn State vs. Northwestern

After a soggy football Saturday, we rounded up our favorite photos from Penn State’s win over Northwestern.

No. 11 Penn State Survives, Downs Northwestern 17-7

The Nittany Lions grinded through some ugly weather to advance to 5-0 on the season.

Gameday Coverage: No. 11 Penn State vs. Northwestern

Get ready for some ugly weather in Happy Valley.

 
Send this to a friend