Hezekiah Carney, 26, of Norfolk, Virginia, and Jayquan Jones, 22, of Richmond, Virginia, were each sentenced to 38 years in federal prison today for their roles in the kidnapping and murder of a fellow member of the Almighty Black P. Stone gang. The two men, along with other co-defendants, were involved in a brutal and senseless gang-related crime that resulted in the tragic death of a 25-year-old mother of two.
In the early hours of May 6, 2023, Carney, Jones, and other gang members traveled to the victim’s apartment in Richmond. After assaulting her, they later returned, kidnapped the victim, and drove her to a remote location in York County, Virginia. There, the victim was executed by gunshots to her head, abdomen, back, buttocks, and legs.
“This act of cold-blooded, senseless gang violence affects entire communities,” said Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s sentences underscore our commitment to protecting communities from violent criminals.”
“This act of wanton violence exemplifies the senseless brutality we associate with organized gangs and emphasizes the importance of eradicating them from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The investigation and prosecution that brought these defendants to justice were successful because of the vital partnerships built with our law enforcement partners working together toward our common goal of public safety.”
The investigation into the murder was carried out by the FBI, ATF, and state and local law enforcement partners, culminating in the convictions of multiple defendants involved in the crime. Carney, the gang leader, directed his co-defendants to destroy evidence and avoid law enforcement, but their actions were ultimately uncovered. Carney and Jones pleaded guilty to using a firearm resulting in death, while other co-defendants face various sentences for their involvement.
“This case exemplifies the wanton violence we associate with organized gangs,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Our law enforcement partners’ work to bring these criminals to justice is a step forward in protecting public safety.”
The victim’s murder left her family devastated and her community in fear, with law enforcement committed to holding all involved accountable. In addition to Carney and Jones’ sentences, co-defendants Jamica Langley and Acacia Jackson are facing sentencing for their roles, with Jackson set to be sentenced next month.
The investigation and prosecution were made possible through the collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and ATF, all working together to bring the criminals to justice and ensure the safety of the community.
