2 gang members convicted in 2017 murder of pregnant Jersey City woman
Authorities say the suspects were also convicted of racketeering and weapons charges.
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Two members of the Bloods street gang operating out of Jersey City were convicted on multiple charges stemming from the murder of three city residents on Jan. 16, 2017, including a 25-year-old pregnant woman, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Monday.
Markell Brown, 37, also known as “Sayboy,” and Terrence Shaw, 37, known as “Sweet Meat,” were convicted following a monthlong trial.
“These convictions hold accountable violent gang members who carried out a calculated, execution-style triple homicide, including the murder of a young pregnant woman,” Senior Counsel Lamparello said in a press release. “The defendants planned these killings with chilling deliberation and then attempted to silence their own associate to avoid justice. Today’s verdicts make clear that this level of brutality will be met with the full force of federal prosecution, and that those who terrorize our communities will face severe consequences.”
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Brown and Shaw fatally shot a rival gang member on Jan. 16, 2017. They enlisted the help of an associate to gain access to the rival gang member’s apartment.
“Brown and Shaw planned the murders thoroughly, among other things, by orchestrating the use of a stolen U-Haul truck and purchasing two-way walkie-talkie radios to use during the murders,” the office said in a statement. “Brown and Shaw then used their associate to obtain access to the rival gang member’s apartment.”
While in the apartment, the pair also “executed” the pregnant woman, shooting her in the back of the head and the chest. They also fatally shot their associate in the chest “to eliminate the possibility that he would provide information to law enforcement.”
“Through the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative, the full force of New Jersey law enforcement is called upon in the aftermath of heinous crimes such as this triple homicide,” said FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy. “This show of force will make clear to anyone contemplating gang-related or other violent crimes: Do not expect to walk free in New Jersey.”
Both Brown and Shaw face mandatory life sentences for each count of murder in aid of racketeering as well as mandatory prison sentences for the firearms convictions. Sentencing is scheduled for April 22.
