Source: United States Department of Justice News
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DARNELL KIDD, a/k/a “Black,” a/k/a “Donney,” a/k/a “Donney Black,” was sentenced today to 35 years in prison for the murder of Jonathan Johnson, 21, on March 18, 2011, in White Plains, New York. On November 16, 2022, KIDD was convicted of one count of murder through the use of a firearm, following a jury trial before U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román, who imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This lengthy investigation is yet another example of this Office’s commitment to prosecuting those who perpetuate gun violence and rob residents of New York of their peace and safety. We will continue our all-hands-on-deck approach with our law enforcement partners to identify and punish those who commit violent and brutal gun offenses.”
According to the evidence at trial and statements made in public court proceedings and filings:
On March 18, 2011, DARNELL KIDD and his co-defendant MARCUS CHAMBERS murdered Jonathan Johnson by shooting him during an armed robbery for marijuana in White Plains. In advance of the robbery, CHAMBERS arranged by phone to purchase three ounces of marijuana from Johnson. Intending to instead rob Johnson, CHAMBERS and KIDD met with Johnson in or near Johnson’s car, which was parked on a suburban street in White Plains. During the course of the robbery, KIDD drew a loaded gun and fired it, killing Johnson. KIDD and CHAMBERS then fled from the scene of the murder.
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In addition to his prison term, KIDD, 31, of Yonkers, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the White Plains Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, which comprises Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the FBI, United States Probation Office, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Westchester County Department of Public Safety, Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, New York City Police Department, Yonkers Police Department, Mount Vernon Police Department, Peekskill Police Department, Greenburgh Police Department, New Rochelle Police Department, White Plains Police Department, Clarkstown Police Department, and Ramapo Police Department. Mr. Williams also thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance in this matter.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olga I. Zverovich, Christopher Brumwell, and Steven J. Kochevar, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Shannon Becker, are in charge of the prosecution.