Home Two men plead guilty in Charlottesville Circuit Court on unrelated murder charges
News

Two men plead guilty in Charlottesville Circuit Court on unrelated murder charges

Crystal Graham
arrest handcuffs jail prison sentence
(© Michael – stock.adobe.com)

On Thursday, two men pled guilty to unrelated murder charges in Charlottesville Circuit Court.

Wendell Allen, Jr., pled guilty to the March 4, 2023, murder of Justice Kilel at the Sunshine Minimart on Cherry Avenue. He also pled guilty to use of a firearm during the commission of murder.

Allen is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28 at 9:30 a.m. and faces up to 43 years in prison.

In an unrelated case, La’Kori Rayquan Brooks pled guilty to the March 18, 2023, murder of Cody Smith on Minor Court Lane. He also pled guilty to use of a firearm during the commission of murder.

Brooks is scheduled to be sentenced on July 8 at 9:30 a.m. and also faces up to 43 years in prison.

“We hope these guilty pleas bring some small measure of comfort to the families of Mr. Kilel and Mr. Smith as they grieve their losses,” said Joe Platania, Charlottesville Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Nina-Alice Antony prosecuted both cases.

Support AFP

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]

Latest News

uva softball walkoff
Etc.

UVA Softball: ‘Hoos rally for 2-1 win over Pitt in ACC Tournament thriller

transgender gender affirming care
Issues, Local, Politics

Waynesboro: MAGA pastor trying to whip up anti-trans frenzy in school system

A local Black MAGA pastor is trying to whip up his cult into barraging the Waynesboro School Board next week over trans kids, because, I guess, maybe he’s not been getting enough in the collection plate on Sundays?

trump hands
Politics, U.S. & World

The mystery of the splotches: Why does the press corps not press Trump on this?

I’m old enough to remember reading daily and seeing pundits on TV hourly weighing in on Joe Biden being old, decrepit, unfit, unhealthy – and, let’s be square, it was probably fair, given his age.

chris acc basketball
Politics

Podcast: You want fanzine coverage of UVA Basketball? Go somewhere else

mailman delivering mail in mail truck to mailbox
Local

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive: Letter carriers picking up food donations on Saturday

golf
Etc., Local

Boys & Girls Club sets date for annual Great Futures Golf Tournament

Louise Lucas
Politics, Virginia

Trump DOJ raids office State Sen. Louise Lucas: Made-for-TV political intimidation