James White guilty on all 16 counts in 2017 Troy quadruple homicide

WNYT Staff

James White has been found guilty of all 16 counts for his role in a 2017 Troy quadruple homicide.

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White, and his co-defendant, Justin Mann, killed two women and two young children in their Lansingburgh apartment in 2017 — Shanise Myers, 5, Jeremiah Myers, 11, Shanta Myers, 36, and Brandi Mells, 22.

White defended himself during the trial. He had claimed he did not participate in the crime, and at one point, questioned Mann in the courtroom as part of his defense strategy.

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James White defends himself in a previous court appearance.[WNYT]

There were tears and hugs outside the courtroom as the verdict was read. A family spokesperson for the victims says they do feel as if justice was done. It took a little longer than they had hoped, but family members of the victims are grateful for the result, and they say they can now move on with the healing process, four years after the horrific crime.

White now faces the possibility of life behind bars without the chance of parole. Mann pleaded guilty in 2019 to four counts of murder, and was sentenced to 25 years to life behind bars.

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White’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 5.

Hear reaction to the verdict from the spokesperson for the victims’ families, by watching the video of Dan Levy’s story.

DIGITAL EXTRA: James White verdict is read in court

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Troy Mayor Patrick Madden issued the following statement:

“Today’s conviction is small measure of justice for the victims of this unimaginable tragedy nearly four years ago. We hope this verdict brings closure to the victim’s families who have suffered terribly as a result of this heinous crime. I thank the Troy Police Department, New York State Police, Schenectady Police Department and the Capital Region Crime Analysis Center for their tireless efforts to investigate this case, and the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s office for their pursuit of justice on behalf of Shanta Myers, her children Jeremiah and Shanise, and Brandi Mells. Our hearts remain with the Myers and Mells family who have experienced unimaginable pain and loss, and I ask the Troy community to keep them in your thoughts during this difficult period in their lives.”