Joshua Robert Berry, Armed Robbery Murder, VA 2024

ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – An armed robbery spree that culminated in the senseless murder of a store clerk has led to justice for three Virginia defendants. Joshua Robert Berry, 32, Emmanuel William Foster, 27, and Sarah Looney Berry, 28, were sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia.

Joshua Berry pled guilty to two counts of armed robbery, brandishing a firearm during those robberies, conspiring to commit armed robbery, and using a firearm in the commission of an armed robbery resulting in death. He received a 734-month sentence. Foster was sentenced to 749 months for his identical charges.

Sarah Berry, who also admitted to driving the getaway car for her husband and brother-in-law, faced one count of conspiring to commit armed robbery and using a firearm in an armed robbery resulting in death. She received a 412-month sentence.

United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. emphasized the gravity of their crimes: ‘These three individuals acted in a violent and irresponsible manner that ultimately robbed a man of his life. The sentences imposed today punish those who terrorized a community for well over a month.’

Evidence presented at hearings revealed Berry, Foster, and Sarah Berry conspired to commit armed robberies across Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina from April through May 2012. Joshua Berry admitted robbing the Marquee Cinema in Wytheville and Abingdon Cinemall with Foster, while Sarah Berry assisted with getaway cars.

The sentences handed down mark a significant victory for justice in this brutal crime spree.