MANASSAS, Va. — Two men involved in the robbery of a Denny’s restaurant that ended in a deadly shooting have been sentenced after pleading guilty to a series of charges, including felony murder. Ryan Walker and Jordan Anderson took part in the robbery at a Denny’s restaurant in Manassas, during which they held employees and customers against their will while attempting to steal money from the cash register. The incident took place on December 26, 2019, and resulted in the death of food delivery driver Yusuf Ozgur.
Anderson was found guilty in September 2022 for the murder of Ozgur and other charges. In June 2023, he was sentenced to more than 80 years behind bars. Walker, on the other hand, pleaded guilty to felony murder, aggravated malicious wounding, statutory burglary while armed, attempted robbery, and two probation violations. He was sentenced to 50 years and two life sentences in a state penitentiary, with 35 years suspended and only two years of the life sentences to be served, adding up to a total of 17 years in prison. Additionally, Walker will be on probation for five years following his release.
The Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Amy Ashworth, emphasized that although the plea deal spares the victims and their families from further trauma, it does not diminish the severity of the crimes committed. “Our commitment to justice remains unwavering as we move forward to ensure accountability for the senseless violence and loss inflicted upon the community by these two individuals,” Ashworth said. The Virginia Department of Corrections website lists Anderson’s release date as May 2107. If Walker violates the terms of his sentence and commits another crime, he could face life in prison.
The deadly incident at the Denny’s restaurant in Manassas serves as a reminder of the impact of violent crimes on communities, as families and loved ones are left to grapple with the aftermath. The sentences handed down to the individuals involved aim to provide some form of closure and accountability for the tragic events that unfolded on that December night in 2019.
