Two Atlanta gang members were sentenced to life in prison Friday in the slaying of a young mother who was shot five times through her apartment door.
The fatal shooting occurred in January 2011 after members of the Red Kartel street gang chased another man to Kenisha Carr's apartment, where she was inside with her husband and 4-year-old daughter.
After the fleeing man, identified as Brandon Swann, entered the apartment, police say Xavier Bradford, 20, fired repeatedly through the door, striking Swann two times and the 23-year-old woman.
A Fulton County jury Friday sentenced Blackwell to life plus 80 years and co-defendant Xavier Bradford, 20, to life plus 75 years after convicting them of felony murder and participation in a criminal street gang activity. The prison terms must be served consecutively. Bradford's sentenced reflected his decision to renege on a promise to testify against others in the case, prosecutors said.
The defendants had received a tip on Jan. 14, 2011, that Swann was carrying a large amount of cash and set out to rob him with the help of a third man, according to prosecutors.
The three men, in a vehicle, followed Swann as he walked along Allison Court in southwest Atlanta, heading to a friend's house. They jumped out the vehicle and demanded Swann's cash, but he was able to escape and ran to Carr's apartment.
The suspects chased Swann, and when they reached the apartment, they fired multiple shots through door, prosecutors said. Although Carr was pronounced dead at the scene, Swann survived and testified against his assailants.
The third suspect indicted in the case, Kerwin Tate, 21, is awaiting trial.
About the Author
