Jamiesfeast – Lavonte Darnell Nash received his sentence on Tuesday, February 6, after he pleaded guilty to a range of charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy to participate in a criminal gang, participation in a criminal gang, and distribution of cocaine. This information was provided by the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office.
According to a news release, the Defendant killed Mr. Knight upon discovering that Mr. Knight was going to testify against the Defendant in relation to a drug distribution offense committed by the Defendant.
Nash belonged to PA-32, a criminal street gang that originated in Frederick City. During the murder investigation, authorities and the State’s Attorney’s Office were granted permission by the Circuit Court to wiretap his cellphone communications.
On August 31, 2019, while the wiretap investigation was ongoing, a shooting occurred outside of Café 611, which was found to be gang-related. As part of his guilty plea, Nash acknowledged his role in this shooting, which was connected to PA-32.
Chief Assistant State’s Attorney Colleen K. Swanson, Chief Counsel Joyce R. King, and Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Tumulty represented the State.
Nash was given credit for the time he served starting from September 24, 2019, when he was initially held without bond awaiting trial.