Crime and Punishment
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Source: United States Attorney’s Office / DOJ
A few years ago, four men were brutally butchered to death in a park in Long Island, New York. Now, a female participant in the murder has been sentenced to five decades in prison for her role in the grisly killings.
The New York Post is reporting that MS-13 member Leniz “Diablita” Escobar has just been slapped with a 50-year prison stint for luring the unsuspecting men to the park where other MS-13 members waited to murder the men for disrespecting their gang in April of 2017. U.S. Judge Joseph Bianco said that Escobar aka “Diablita” (Little Devil) “enthusiastically” set the men up to be murdered by her cohorts after they posted social media content mocking the hand signs that MS-13 uses to represent their gang.
Only 17 years old at the time of the murders, the now 24-year-old Escobar expresses regret for her actions as she faces a lengthy prison sentence for the four deaths she helped spur on.
The New York Post reports:
“All I can do is hurt,” she said tearfully. “Every breath reminds me that they are not here and their families are in pain. If I could trade places with them and take away that pain, I would.”
Escobar was only 17 when she convinced other members of the MS-13 gang to kill Miguel Lopez, 20, Justin Llivicura, 16, and Jefferson Villalobos and Jose Tigre, both 18, by showing them social media pictures of the victims supposedly mocking the group with gang signs.
She felt “personally offended” that one of the victims had worn items typically associated with the gang even though he was not a member,” Assistant US Attorney Megan Farrell said.
She then lured the young men to the park under the pretense of smoking marijuana with them, according to Farrell.
After her fellow gang members hacked the men to death with machetes (MS-13’s preferred weapon of choice), Escobar not only bragged about her role in the murderous plot but even told them to rid themselves of the evidence and do what they could to evade authorities. It gets worse.
During the trial two years ago, one witness testified that Escobar smiled while the victims were killed and even licked their blood off her lips when it got on her shirt.
“She was one of the most culpable people,” Farrell said Tuesday. “Without her, these murders would not have occurred.”
Though relatives of the victims felt she deserved the death penalty, prosecutors argued for a 65-year sentence before the judge settled on a 50-year bid.
Interestingly enough, Escobar has used her time in prison to better herself as she’s not only earned her high school degree but also leads a Bible study group behind bars. Bible Study with la “Diablita.” Go figure.
Don’t be surprised if Donald Trump references this particular case going forward on the campaign trail as the man revels in hate, division and fear mongering. Just sayin’.
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Justin Johnson, one of two individuals who were charged with gunning down popular Memphis rapper Young Dolph in 2021, has been sentenced to life behind bars. Also known as a hopeful rapper under the stage name Straight Drop, Justin Johnson’s case was deliberated in just under four hours according to local reports.
Justin Johnson, 26, was found guilty on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and felon in possession of a firearm. Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Mitchell read the verdict on Thursday (September 26). Jurors heard three days of testimony and closing arguments on the fourth day. According to reports, Johnson did not take the stand during the hearings.
The sister of Young Dolph shared a statement with the media after Johnson’s verdict was heard:
On Nov. 17, 2021, our lives changed forever. A son, a father, a brother, a friend, a businessman, a music artist, a philanthropist, and life partner are among just some of the titles that my brother Adolph Robert Thornton Jr. held. Titles that have now left a missing piece in the lives of so many. I want to thank the jury for their service and decision in this case to bring us one step closer to justice for our family, friends, supporters, and the community that has supported us during this time.
…
“We realize this act of violence has impacted so many outside of our family and friends. Your outpouring of love and support throughout this process does not go unnoticed. We ask that instead of focusing on those who committed this crime, you focus on that man that Adolph Robert Thornton was. Regardless of the name that you may know him as, such as Adolph, Dolph, or Young Dolph, we ask you to remember the man that enjoyed being a father and spending time with his family. We ask that you remember the man who enjoyed giving opportunities to those who were often overlooked and counted out. We ask that you remember the man who enjoyed giving back to others and being an inspiration to those who come from less than ideal backgrounds, and knowing that they are seen and can change their outcomes and the lives of others by doing something positive. We will continue to heal and keep Adolph’s legacy alive.
In addition, Young Dolph’s partner, Mia Jaye, shared a statement via Instagram with a picture of the rapper alongside his family.
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Freddie Lee Trone, the California man at the center of the plot to rob and murder PnB Rock, will see prison time for his actions after being convicted earlier. Freddie Lee Trone will serve 31 years behind bars after his sentence was heard on Monday (September 23).
Local outlet KTLA reports that Freddie Lee Trone, 42, who was iniitally convicted of the murder of PnB Rock in 2022, was found guilty on all charges in August. The fatal incident took place on September 12, 2022, at a Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles location in the South Los Angeles region. Trone also faced charges of felony murder, robbery, and conspiracy.
One of Trone’s co-defendants, Tremont Jones, was found guilty of robbery and conspiracy. Jones was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Trone ordered his then-teenage son to rob and kill PnB Rock, who was dining in the establishment with his romantic partner at the time. According to prosecutors, Trone was the mastermind of the crime and served as his son’s getaway driver in the crime.
The son of Freddie Lee Trone is charged with first-degree murder and his case will be heard in juvenile court.
Another co-defendant, Shauntrel Trone, pleaded no contest to an accessory after the fact charge earlier this summer. She will face sentencing in January 2025.
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Sean “Diddy” Combs will remain held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after his bail request was denied again. The attorneys for Diddy vow to keep working to get their client out of the MDC, which has a notorious reputation for poor conditions, violence, and other issues.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, 54, is reportedly being held in a special unit inside the MDC as reported by ABC News. Judge Andrew Carter ruled on the motion Wednesday (September 18) despite concessions offered by Combs and his team to limit visits to his home from women and other stipulations. Combs currently faces charges of sex trafficking by force, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering.
Judge Carter added in the ruling that the offers made by Combs’ defense team fell short of the requirements needed to move ahead and allow Combs to go free ahead of his sentencing for the aforementioned crimes. ABC News wrote in their report that Combs did not display much in the way of emotion to the bail denial.
Combs’ attorney Marc Agnifilo said their side plans to appeal the ruling and told a gathering of reporters of their plan to move ahead.
“The fight continues, we’re not giving up by a long shot,” Agnifilo said. He also added that the team is undecided on whether or not to waive Combs’ right to a speedy trial but wants his client to wait for the sentencing in the comfort of his Star Island home.
“Mr. Combs has maintained he’s innocent,” Agnifilo added. “He’s a smart guy, he knows what he did and what he didn’t do, he knows what he intended and didn’t intend and I believe him… he’s a man who knows what it’s like to have a jury of 12 New Yorkers look at you and say ‘not guilty’ and he’s looking forward to that happening again.”
Prosecutors in the matter are angling for Combs to remain held due to what they said are patterns of abusive behavior and the power and influence the music mogul wield in several walks in the entertainment business.
Before the hearing concluded, Judge Carter spoke about the disturbing 2016 video footage of Combs hitting and dragging his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura down a hotel hallway. The defense team attempted to frame Combs’ actions as a reaction to their 10-year relationship ending over him stepping outside their relationship.
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Sean Combs, otherwise known as Diddy, was arrested earlier this week and formally charged in New York with sex trafficking, racketeering, and other charges. Diddy is currently serving out his pre-trial detention at a notorious Brooklyn detention center known for the poor state of its facility, violence, and being understaffed among other issues.
Diddy, who was denied bail and will remain housed until his sentencing, is being held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. As seen in The Daily Beast, the conditions of the Metropolitan Detention Center, largely known as the MDC, have been fodder for discussion in particular since the closing of the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan. As the outlet noted, the MCC is where Jeffrey Epstein died under what some say were mysterious circumstances.
Combs’ legal team, Marc Agnifilo, and Teny R. Geragos, noted the poor state of the MDC in the filing of a motion for bail on Tuesday (September 17), it was mentioned that housing their client in a place that is “not fit for pre-trial detention” should be out of the question.
Throughout the Daily Beast, several instances are mentioned regarding the MDC’s deterioration, and the critiques levied upon the facility by judges and other officials date back several years. In January 2019, the MDC lost power, leaving the inmates inside suffering from the cold conditions without relief. As a result, a class action lawsuit was brought against the MDC and was settled for $10 million.
The MDC has previously housed other high-profile figures such as R. Kelly, Martin Shkreli, and Sam Bankman-Fried among others.
Agnifilo said on Tuesday after the hearing where charges were read that his team plans to appeal the $50 million bail decision.
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Pras Michel sought a retrial in connection to his conspiracy case after noting that his former legal team used AI to offer a closing statement in the matter ahead of his 2023 conviction. A federal judge has since ruled that Pras Michel will not receive a retrial, despite findings that suggested errors were made.
As reported by The Haitian Times, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly decided on August 30 that Pras Michel’s request for a retrial would not move forward. In 2023, Michel was convicted on several charges and sought to have a new trial due to his former attorney, David Kenner, employing AI to write a closing statement but later discovering the mistakes the program made. One of those mistakes includes an incorrect attribution of Michel’s lyrics given to Sean “Diddy” Combs.
In the motion filed by Michel’s attorneys, the rapper’s legal team uncovered 14 errors that were made during Michel’s time and court thus the filing of the motion for retrial. The legal team additionally argued that the jury overseeing the matter was influenced by statements made by two federal judges that named Michel as a co-conspirator in the crimes he was charged with.
The judge in the case did note the errors raised by Michel’s team and three of them were considered according to accounts. However, the judge decided that the issues raised were not enough to overturn the jury’s initial ruling.
Pras Michel faces a potential sentence that could land him 20 years in prison. He is currently free on bond. A date for his sentencing has not been announced.
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Sean Combs, also known under his stage name Diddy, was charged on Tuesday (September 17) after he was arrested at a New York hotel on Monday. Diddy faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting for prostitution according to recently revealed court documents.
The news of the indictment has spread like wildfire through social media channels as the details of the case continue to unravel. As reported by TMZ, the indictment notes that between 2008 and the present day, Sean Combs and those connected to his business ventures are accused of forced labor, sex trafficking, transporting for prostitution, kidnapping, arson, and other related charges.
At the center of the unsealed indictment were details that date back to 2008 to the present day alleging that Combs lorded over his enterprise and used his money, power, and influence to unleash abuse towards women and men, including those who performed sex work. Also revealed were details of the so-called “Freak Off” parties where Combs used drugs to control his victims and have them do his bidding. During these parties, Combs allegedly masturbated and often recorded the events, while also transporting the sex workers across state lines to participate.
The Freak Offs were so intense according to the documents, Combs and the victims would need to rehydrate intravenously to recover from the high levels of drugs in their systems. The documents also revealed that Combs employed his staff to keep these parties stocked with lubricants, bedding, lighting, baby oil, and more, then had the staff clean up the evidence.
Combs’ homes in Miami and Los Angeles were famously raided earlier this year with officials discovering narcotics, a thousand bottles of lubricant and baby oil, and high-powered weaponry including three AR-15s that had their serial numbers forcibly removed.
The legal team for Diddy says that the Bad Boy Records mogul is showing a brave face and is willingly cooperating with the authorities. On Tuesday, attorney Marc Agnifilo shared some brief statements.
“His spirits are good. He’s confident,” Agnifilo said to a media throng gathering outside the Manhattan courthouse. He added that Combs intends to “fight like hell” against the allegations and intends to plead not guilty.
Source: John Lamparski / Getty
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams is currently holding a press conference discussing the matter in full. We were unable to connect the stream but it can be found online.
On X, reactions to Diddy’s indictment being announced are still cropping up. We’ve got them listed below.
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Lil Baby was arrested on Monday (August 26) and booked on gun possession charges after being caught with a handgun inside a Las Vegas nightclub. According to reports, Lil Baby was arrested and held on a $5,000 bond but was released from custody after posting the amount.
TMZ reports that Lil Baby, real name Dominique Jones, was at the Encore resort in Las Vegas and was found with a weapon on his person that he was not permitted to carry according to a breaking news report from TMZ. The outlet says that the Atlanta rapper was handed the firearm by another individual and the act was witnessed by an unknown individual but sparked police to investigate the matter.
In a statement, the attorney for Lil Baby wrote, “To be clear, Dominique Jones has a valid Georgia Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permit. On his behalf, we are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding his arrest in Las Vegas.”
A Georgia CCW permit would not be valid in the state of Nevada.
The My Turn star has not made any public statement regarding the arrest, nor have any details emerged regarding why he was given the firearm or who was responsible for handing it over to him.
Lil Baby is due in Las Vegas on October 1 for a hearing related to the charges.
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Quando Rondo was in court earlier this week in connection to his drug case in Georgia, changing his previous not-guilty plea to guilty inside a federal court. With the rapper pleading guilty to a lesser charge, Quando Rondo still faces up to five years behind bars in connection to the matter.
As reported by WSAV, Quando Rondo, 25, appeared in court this past Tuesday (August 13) to change his not-guilty plea to guilty for a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana charge.
After his court appearance, the rapper, real name Tyquian Bowman, told WSAV that he’s on a new path and hopes that it reflects in his actions going forward.
“I just want everybody to know I’m a changed person, I’m changing every day, and God has the last say so, Rondo said.
Adding to his statement to the press, Rondo apologized to his hometown in a bid to further display his changed ways.
“I really want to give an apology to the city of Savannah, and I want to give an apology to my family, friends, loved ones, most of all to my daughters,” Rondo added.
The rapper is still releasing music and has a new project, Here For A Reason, to release on Friday (August 16) according to WSAV’s report.
“I’m forever gonna rap! Nothing can affect music,” Rondo shared with WSAV.
Quando Rondo is due back in court on December 12 for his sentencing and will remain free on bond until then.
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A South Carolina man who was recognized as the king of an African village was stabbed on Monday (July 29) later succumbing to the wounds. Police have arrested the suspect but details are still largely being kept under wraps as the village prepares to properly bury the leader.
Oba Adegbolu Abiogemo Adejuyigbe Egunjobi Oyewole Adefunmi II was the king of Oyotunji African Village, located near Sheldon, Beaufort County in South Carolina. Oyotunji was founded in 1970 by Oba Efuntola Oseijeman Adelabu Adefunmi I.
According to a report from local outlet WJCL, reports of the stabbing Monday came in around 2:45 local time according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office’s communications team. Adefunmi was taken to a local hospital and died from the stab wounds.
A suspect, Akiba Kasale Meredith, 53, has been identified by the authorities and it now facing murder charges. According to the accounts delivered by BCSO officials, Meredith fled the area on foot but was later apprehended after walking back to the scene of the crime. A motive has not been established.
Source: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office / BCSO
Officials at the Oyotunji African Village site have decided to speak with the press after completing proper burial services for Adefunmi.
Oba Adegbolu Abiogemo Adejuyigbe Egunjobi Oyewole Adefunmi II was 47.
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Photo: Allen Funerals