x
Breaking News
More () »

Reaction To Guilty Plea In Cab Driver’s Murder

SCRANTON — A 17-year-old boy charged with gunning down a cab driver in Scranton last year now admits to the man’s murder. Aazis Richardson was 16 years ol...
aazis richardson scr shooting

SCRANTON -- A 17-year-old boy charged with gunning down a cab driver in Scranton last year now admits to the man’s murder.

Aazis Richardson was 16 years old when he shot and killed McCarthy cab driver Vincent Darbenzio in May 2014.

Richardson said nothing as he left the Lackawanna County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon after admitting to killing McCarthy Flowered Cab driver Vincent Darbenzio.

He was taken into custody shortly after Darbenzio was found shot dead inside his cab in south Scranton.

“He didn't want to listen. He got his (expletive) shot,” Richardson said at the time of his arrest.

At his arrest, Richardson showed no remorse, telling reporters he shot Darbenzio because he thought the cab driver was trying to run up the meter after Richardson hired him to drive him to Valley View Terrace Apartments.

Maribeth Cowley runs her own cab company, called Taxicow, in Archbald and remembers Darbenzio's death vividly.

“I was very scared. I called my drivers and I said, 'Did you watch the news?' and, 'A driver was shot,' and it's not good and it's scary. It's scary to be in the business,” said Cowley.

In court, Richardson gave no details from the night of the crime, only saying yes when asked if he admitted to murder.

“I think that's a powerful experience. To know what the evidence says, to know what the police have charged and the government has charged, but then to hear the person accept responsibility,” said First Assistant District Attorney Gene Talerico. “Adds a whole new dimension to what they've been experiencing since last May.”

Prosecutors had said they could not seek the death penalty due to Richardson's age, however with this guilty plea he faces a minimum of 35 years in prison, a maximum of life.

Richardson is expected to be sentenced next month.

McCarthy Flowered Cabs owner Brian McCarthy released the following statement on Richardson’s guilty plea:

"The Staff and Management of McCarthy Flowered Cabs is relieved that justice has been served for this unconscionable act of violence. This single cowardly act has forever changed our company and its soul. We now can no longer feel that we are operating in the great old Scranton. McCarthy Cabs has come to the sad realization that we are not living in the past, and our beloved city is not immune to the senseless acts that grab national headlines daily. On behalf of Vince, and his family, we wish to thank the Scranton Police and the Lackawanna District Attorney's office for their success in capturing and sentencing this despicable criminal."

Before You Leave, Check This Out