Calvin Ushery, a repeat violent offender, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison following his conviction for a brutal 2022 robbery and assault at Solid Gold Jewelers in Wilmington.
The sentencing, delivered in New Castle County Superior Court, marks the conclusion of a widely publicized case that shocked the local community. Ushery was convicted of Robbery First Degree, Assault First Degree, and Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony. The robbery and assault, which occurred on September 9, 2022, left the shop owner, Chang Suh, gravely injured.
On the day of the crime, Ushery entered Solid Gold Jewelers on W 9th Street, where he launched a violent attack on Suh, 67 at the time. Surveillance footage captured Ushery pistol-whipping Suh before stomping on his head multiple times. Ushery then used a hammer to further assault Suh and smash display cases, stealing an estimated $100,000 worth of jewelry.
Suh, left severely injured, managed to call 911 before falling unconscious. He was hospitalized for a week, including four days in the intensive care unit, due to a head injury and severe concussion. While Suh survived, he had to undergo extensive rehabilitation to relearn basic functions.
After the incident some officials expressed frustration with the criminal justice system, noting that Ushery had a long history of violent offenses and should never have been free to commit such a crime.
The case gained renewed attention in 2023, as prosecutors sought to retry Ushery after a jury failed to reach a verdict in his first trial.
