Robert W Cameron

BARTOW | Jeffrey L. Green Jr. was sentenced Thursday to life in prison for fatally shooting a former star swimmer at Lake Region High School.

It's the second time Green has been given the same punishment for the killing of Robert W. Cameron, 19, of Winter Haven.

Investigative reports state Green and four other men planned to take marijuana and money on Aug. 22, 2007, from Cameron's home at the Winterset complex off Cypress Gardens Boulevard.

Two masked men with pistols climbed over the balcony of the second-floor condo and entered through an unlocked sliding glass door, reports state.

Cameron struggled with one gunman and was shot. The bullet passed through his arm and into his body, causing fatal injuries. 

Prosecutors identified Green, 27, of Auburndale, as the shooter, and relied on testimony from Green's accomplices to build a case against him.

In 2008, a jury found Green guilty of the murder and related charges. He was sentenced to life in prison.

The 2nd District Court of Appeal ruled Feb. 10, 2010, that Green should receive a new trial because prosecutors improperly commented on Green's right to remain silent by saying he "refused" when given an opportunity to talk to detectives.

Green's retrial was held last month. His lawyers argued Green took no part in the botched robbery and was set up by those responsible.

However, a second jury found Green guilty July 28 of first-degree murder, armed burglary and armed robbery.

During a brief Thursday sentencing hearing, Circuit Judge Donald Jacobsen ordered Green to serve a mandatory life sentence for the murder.

The four other men have taken plea deals for their participation.

Kelly Washington pleaded no contest to burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary. He was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Antonio "Red" Neal and Desmond "Des" Davis pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, armed robbery and armed burglary. They were each sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Henry "Bud" Jones III pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, armed robbery and armed burglary. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Murderers: