Brandon Vandoren, Carjacking, Missouri 2020

ST. LOUIS – A brazen carjacking in May 2020 has landed a St. Louis County man behind bars for 17 ½ years. Brandon Vandoren, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp for the crime that left a victim with permanent injuries, including brain damage.

The crime took place on May 20, 2020, at a MotoMart gas station and convenience store in Jefferson County, Missouri. Vandoren stole a Saturn Aura parked at the location and began driving away, striking the driver outside the store. The victim nearly died from the injuries sustained and is now recovering.

Vandoren, a convicted felon, was found with a firearm in his possession at the time of his arrest. The firearm was discovered in a motel room in St. Louis County where Vandoren was staying after fleeing the scene of the carjacking in the stolen vehicle.

The investigation into the carjacking was led by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassandra Wiemken is prosecuting the case.

Vandoren pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking on November 8. He faces a significant sentence for the crime, which carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison. However, Vandoren’s sentence was reduced due to the plea agreement. The defendant’s accomplice, Matthew Carver, 31, of St. Louis, who drove Vandoren to the Moto Mart in a stolen Dodge Dart, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Carver’s sentencing is pending.

The case serves as a reminder of the dangers of carjacking and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes. The sentence handed down in this case should serve as a deterrent to others who would consider committing similar crimes.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. The public’s assistance is crucial in bringing justice to the victims and their families.

The sentencing of Brandon Vandoren is a significant step in the right direction towards holding the perpetrators accountable for their crimes. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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