Jacksonville Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Teen Cheerleader
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Roland Ball, 25, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday for the 2020 murder of 17-year-old Inandi Wyche, a Ribault High School cheerleader. The sentencing took place in Duval County court, following his conviction on nine charges, including first-degree murder and multiple counts of attempted murder.
Ball was found guilty on January 27 after a jury deliberated for just over an hour. In addition to the life sentence for first-degree murder, he received multiple additional sentences, including 40 years for each of five counts of attempted first-degree murder and 15 years for shooting or throwing deadly missiles. The sentences will run concurrently, with credit given for the 1,473 days he has already served.
Details of the Crime
The fatal shooting occurred on March 19, 2020, in Jacksonville’s 4700 block of Portsmouth Avenue. Wyche was on a date with her boyfriend, Jacksonville rapper Terise Powe, known as Kshordy, when a gray vehicle pulled up in front of their car. Ball and another suspect, Xavion Porter, 20, opened fire. Wyche was killed at the scene, while Powe was injured and later treated at a local hospital.
Investigators determined the attack was gang-related, reportedly carried out as retaliation for another shooting that had occurred two days earlier. Police stated that Ball and Porter mistakenly believed Powe was responsible for the previous attack.
Co-Defendant’s Legal Proceedings
Porter, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, was also arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Court records indicate that he has pleaded not guilty, and his next pre-trial hearing is scheduled for February 26 at 9 a.m.
Victim Impact Statements
During the sentencing, Wyche’s family and former teachers delivered emotional statements about her life and the profound loss they have endured.
“Nandi was loved by everyone she touched: her family, her teachers, her principal,” said her mother, Monique Wyche. “She had a unique, contagious vibrancy. Her life was extraordinary.”
Renae Turnvull, one of Wyche’s teachers, described her as a bright presence in the school community. “She was a cheerleader, a volleyball player, and a dance diva. She was that girl. She led with kindness.”
Helen Wilson, Wyche’s grandmother, spoke of the deep void left by her passing. “My life will never be the same. Our family will never be the same on holidays and birthdays. When you looked into her eyes, it was like a light.”
Defense and Defendant’s Statement
Ball has maintained his innocence since his arrest. His sister, Viola Greaves, spoke in his defense, expressing the family’s continued support.
Ball himself addressed the court, stating, “Your honor, there’s really nothing to say. I grieve with the family, and I have a family that grieves for me. An innocent man was sentenced.”
The judge announced she will rule on a motion for a new trial by the end of next week.
