Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Box to serve life

A Rosston man was sentenced to two life terms in prison without the possibility of parole after stating in court that he shot an Arkadelphia couple.

Kelvin Box, 39, appeared in Nevada County Circuit Court Wednesday, Jan. 23, on charges of the murders of Jerome and Tracy Lambert. Tracy Lambert is Boxs ex-wife.

Nevada County Circuit Judge Duncan Culpepper asked Box to related the events of the night of Aug. 11.

I shot Jerome and Tracy, Box said.

Under additional questioning, Box said that the murders took place at the Rosston residence of a relative. He said he went there to talk to Tracy, that he took a gun but that he didnt immediately get it out of his truck. Then an argument erupted.

And what did you do? Culpepper asked.

I shot him, Box answered, referring to Jerome.

How many times did you shoot him? Culpepper asked.

I dont know, Box responded.

And then what did you do? Culpepper asked.

I shot Tracy, Box said.

Do you know how many times? Culpepper asked.

Twice, I think.

Culpepper then asked Box to enter a plea on each of the two counts of murder. Box answered, guilty, to each question.

Box walked to court from the sheriffs office wearing a Kevlar vest and under heavy guard. Security at the courthouse was tight as Box walked across and those entering were subject to search.

The hearing was set for pre-trial motions but when more than an hour passed with attorneys and family members moving about the courtroom, it became evident that officials were working on the details of a plea agreement.

Box appeared in front of Culpepper wearing a black shirt and khaki pants. The vest was removed for the court appearance.

After entering his plea, Box sat at the defense table with Texarkana attorney, Rick Shumaker. He remained impassive as families of the victims offered statements to the court. Culpepper then sentenced Box to life in prison without the possibility of parole on each of two counts of capital murder. Several members of Boxs family began to cry as he was handcuffed and removed from the courtroom.

Culpepper asked all present to remain seated until Box had reached the Nevada County Jail. He then released members of the victims families, asking that they immediately leave the courthouse grounds, before releasing members of the Box family with the explanation that he prefers that families not interact immediately following such an emotional trial.

Following the sentencing, Ninth Judicial District Prosecutor Chris

Thomason was asked if he had planned to seek the death penalty, had the case come to trial. Thomason noted that the charges against Box were capital offenses, which carry death as a possible sentence. While he didn't say he would have sought that penalty, he said he believes juries should have as many options available as possible.

The murders occurred on Aug. 11. According to court records, the Lamberts pulled into the Rosston driveway and Box pulled in behind them. After an argument, Box shot Jerome Lambert - who was still seated in the vehicle - in the back. Box later said that he know Jerome had a gun and that his action was self-defense.

Court records indicate that Box then went around the car, pushed Tracy to the ground and shot her. Asked by police why he shot Tracy, Box said he didnt know.

Box and Tracys daughter was at the scene and apparently witnessed the shooting, as did another relative. Box reportedly then hugged both, said he was sorry and left the scene. On Aug. 12, he turned himself in to the Nevada County Sheriffs Office and handed over the weapon used in the murders.

Box had also been charged for allegedly calling someone with threats on Aug. 11, and with illegal possession of a firearm. Box had previously been charged with aggravated assault for a fight at a party, making it illegal to own or carry a gun. Those additional charges were dropped following the plea.