Killer of fast-food customer gets 40 years

A Camden man was sentenced Friday to 40 years in prison for shooting a customer at a fast-food restaurant in May 2009.

Robert Daniels, 27, of the 1300 block of Sheridan Street, was found guilty in April of murder and related offenses. Superior Court Judge Richard Wells in Camden also added a seven-year consecutive sentence. Wells said he gave consideration to Daniels' criminal history, the likelihood of recidivism, the seriousness of the crime, and the need to deter others. As a result, Daniels will not be eligible for parole for at least 39 years.

Daniels entered the Crown Fried Chicken restaurant on the 1500 block of Mount Ephraim Avenue in Camden about 10:15 p.m. on May 7, 2009. The victim, Dwayne McCants, 32, of Lindenwold, was in line for his food when Daniels shot him in the back of the head and fled. McCants died the following night.

At sentencing, Dekisha McCants, the victim's sister, described her brother as a man who had much to achieve. "Watching Dwayne come into manhood was like watching a butterfly as it breaks through a cocoon and emerges colorful and beautiful," she said.       - Barbara Boyer
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