On Monday, U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Tyrik Braxton, age 28, to 25 years in federal prison following his involvement in a murder-for-hire conspiracy that resulted in the death of Juan Ross. Braxton, known as "Son-Son," will also undergo 3 years of supervised release as detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland.
According to the plea agreement, the events stem from a shooting on October 4, 2020, an operation in which Braxton was hired to play a part that ended in tragic gunfire, discharging fatal shots to Ross who sustained injuries that were multiple to the head. As part of the conspiracy, Braxton's role involved aiding and abetting his co-defendants who used firearms in the murder. It was admitted by Braxton that he received payment for his services and was aware that the result would be lethal.
The investigation leading to Braxton's sentencing was a combined effort including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division and the Howard County Police Department, among others. Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby and Chief Gregory Der are credited alongside other key officials for their work in bringing this case to a close.
Braxton's arrest followed a wave of search warrants executed on November 20, 2020. Found in his bedroom under the arrest, a .45-caliber handgun, cash, and his iPhone that contained incriminating photos linking him to the crime were recovered. A previous sentencing on January 11, 2023, resulted in co-defendant Daquante Thomas, receiving a 35-year prison term, for being one of the shooters. According to official statements, on February 27, another co-defendant, Jourdain Larose known as "JBlacc," was sentenced to 40 years for his role in the conspiracy.
Technology played a crucial part in this case with the ATF's National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) providing forensic leads that connected multiple crime scenes and firearms. This case is also part of the broader federal initiative, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime and fostering safer communities through cooperative efforts between law enforcement and community partners. Commended by U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron, the project serves as a centerpiece in the justice department's efforts to combat violent crime.
