Roanoke Gunman Back in Court After Murder Acquittal

ROANOKE, VA – Demarcus Sahiquan Glenn, 23, of Roanoke, is facing federal charges in connection with the May 2019 death of a 16-year-old, T.P., on Denniston Avenue. This comes after Glenn was previously acquitted of state murder charges in the same case – a stunning reversal that has reignited scrutiny of the original investigation and the Roanoke justice system.

Glenn was initially charged with murder, attempted robbery, and use of a firearm in commission of those crimes. During his state trial, Glenn admitted to arriving at the location intending to buy drugs. He claimed the victim, T.P., brandished a gun first, prompting Glenn to draw his own weapon and fire the fatal shot. Despite this admission of pulling the trigger, a state court jury found him not guilty.

But federal authorities aren’t letting it rest. U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh made it clear today: “It is a federal crime to use, carry, brandish, or discharge a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug transaction. My office is committed to playing a role with its federal, state, and local partners in addressing the gun violence in Roanoke. If you shoot and kill another person in the Western District of Virginia, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is going to follow the facts and the law and seek federal charges when appropriate.”

The new federal complaint alleges Glenn used and carried a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and brandished and discharged the weapon. The FBI, leading the investigation alongside the U.S. Attorney’s office, is sending a message. Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, stated, “The FBI is committed to working with the United States Attorney’s Office to address drug activity and violent crime in the Roanoke area. We will continue to work with our partners to vigorously investigate and hold accountable those who pose risks to our communities and encourage residents to immediately report incidents to local law enforcement or the FBI through tips.FBI.gov.”

Glenn was arrested yesterday and now faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted, with the potential for a life sentence. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Coleman Adams, Kristin B. Johnson, and Matthew Miller are prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, a joint effort between federal, state, and local agencies aimed at reducing violent crime. PSN focuses on the most violent offenders and incorporates prevention and reentry programs. It’s a clear signal that authorities are doubling down on efforts to curb gun violence in Roanoke, even after a state court acquittal. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and Glenn is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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