By JESSICA SIEFF
Niles Daily Star

For Jason Rosenhagen and Jesswin Bryant, the events of March 24, 2007 are likely to be something neither of them will ever forget.

The two victims were a step closer to closure Monday morning.

Jordon Holmes, 26, and Daniel Pierson, 23, both of Niles were arrested and charged in the incident. Holmes had eluded being charged by authorities for more than two years when he was taken into custody in January.

Standing before Judge Scott Schofield, Holmes was sentenced to serve no less than 12 years and no more than 50 years in prison for the assault with the intent to rob while armed.

Three years ago later this month law enforcement patrolling the Niles Township reported to a home invasion at 2006 Ontario Rd., No. 68., and found Bryant beaten and Rosenhagen with a gunshot wound to the face.

The victims told police two subjects armed with handguns broke into their residence and demanded money. According to police, both victims rushed the intruders and a fight ensued with all four subjects,
It was during this fight that Rosenhagen sustained gunshot wounds.

The suspects fled the scene.

Sheriff’s detectives started the investigation. From forensic evidence left at the scene as well and information obtained through interviews, deputies arrested Pierson on multiple felony warrants in September 2009.

Holmes was arrested in January of this year.

Pierson is charged with robbery armed-assault with intent to rob while armed; home invasion in the first degree; weapons felony firearms; assault with intent to murder; and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Holmes also faced charges of robbery armed-assault with intent to rob while armed; home invasion in the first degree; weapons felony firearms; assault with intent to murder; and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Three of those charges – home invasion in the first degree, assault with intent to murder and assault with a dangerous weapon – were dismissed as part of a plea agreement, Prosecutor Mary Malewski said.

Rosenhagen stood before the court as well to address Holmes, who declined to look back at the courtroom.

The victim recounted a rainy, spring day years ago when he came upon Holmes and another man walking in the rain.

“I stopped and picked you guys up,” he said, “and gave you a ride home … the next time we were alone together you had a gun in my face.”

Rosenhagen said his jaw was wired shut for seven weeks following the shooting and he underwent therapy and experienced posttraumatic stress from the incident.

“It seemed like every time I stepped out of my house, there you were,” he said.

Though he said he felt he might be able to finally take back his life, he said it was “still with paranoia and pain, because of you.

“You’ve all but confessed to me and until you do, even if you do, you will not be forgiven,” he said.
Bryant also addressed his perpetrator, asking him how he couldn’t talk Pierson out of the assault.

“You invaded our home, shot my best friend in his face, made us feel like caged animals for three years,” Bryant said. “Now it’s time for you to feel like a caged animal.”

Holmes told the court, “what I did was wrong, your honor. I wish it wouldn’t have happened. I made a mistake that I can’t take back. Whatever you give me is what I have to serve.”

What Schofield gave him was a minimum 12-year sentence.

Holmes, he said, had made mistakes that would have a “serious, profound, long-lasting effect not only on you but more importantly the victims of your crime. Now it’s going to have an effect on the people you love.”

As Holmes was led out of the courtroom, he turned to his family and friends who remained seated.
“I’m sorry and I love you,” he said.