Newport News, VA – Two men have been sentenced to 38 years in prison for their roles in the kidnapping and murder of a 25-year-old woman in what federal prosecutors describe as a gang-related execution.
Hezekiah Carney, 26, of Norfolk, and Jayquan Jones, 22, of Richmond, received their sentences in federal court today, marking the latest convictions in a case that has already sent two others to prison.
Brutal Execution Over a “Gang Infraction”
According to court documents, the crime unfolded in the early hours of May 6, 2023, when Carney and his co-defendants targeted the victim, a fellow member of the Almighty Black P. Stone gang, over a perceived rule violation.
Carney, along with three women—Jamica Langley, 25, of Richmond; Donnisha Goodman, 27, of Portsmouth; and Acacia Jackson, 20, of New York—showed up at the victim’s Richmond apartment and beat her as punishment. An hour later, they returned, this time with Jones, and escalated their violence.
Armed and masked, the group forced the woman into a Hyundai Sonata and drove her to a remote location in York County. There, Jones and Goodman shot her at least eight times, executing her with bullets to the head, abdomen, back, buttocks, and legs.
Cover-Up Attempt Fails
After the murder, Carney, described as the gang leader, instructed the others to burn their clothes, stay together, and avoid talking to law enforcement. Their efforts to cover their tracks failed.
The next day, Norfolk police found the Sonata with three of the suspects inside. Investigators recovered a 9mm cartridge that matched shell casings from the crime scene, tying them to the execution.
Justice for the Victim
U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert condemned the killing as “wanton violence” and emphasized the need to dismantle criminal gangs.
“This act of senseless brutality exemplifies the importance of eradicating gangs from our communities,” he said.
FBI Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough said the sentencing should serve as a warning.
“When gang members resort to kidnapping and murder, they leave behind shattered lives and communities in fear,” he said. “This sentencing should send a message that we are committed to holding dangerous criminals accountable.”
Other Sentences and What’s Next
Carney, Jones, and Goodman all pleaded guilty to using a firearm to cause death. Langley and Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit kidnapping.
- Goodman was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
- Langley received a 20-year sentence.
- Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on February 13.
While no prison term can undo the pain of the crime, law enforcement officials hope these sentences bring justice to the victim’s family and make communities safer.