Darnell Kidd, Murder, New York 2011

Yonkers Man Sentenced to 35 Years for 2011 Murder in White Plains

Darnell Kidd, a/k/a “Black,” a/k/a “Donney,” a/k/a “Donney Black,” a 31-year-old Yonkers resident, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of Jonathan Johnson, 21, on March 18, 2011, in White Plains, New York. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román, who presided over the jury trial that led to Kidd’s conviction on November 16, 2022.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Kidd and his co-defendant Marcus Chambers murdered Johnson during an armed robbery for marijuana in White Plains. In the days leading up to the robbery, Chambers had arranged to purchase three ounces of marijuana from Johnson, but instead, the pair intended to rob him. On the night of the murder, Kidd and Chambers met with Johnson in or near his car, which was parked on a suburban street in White Plains. Kidd drew a loaded gun and fired it, killing Johnson. The two then fled the scene of the crime.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams praised the investigative work of the White Plains Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, which includes agents from the FBI, United States Probation Office, New York State Police, and several other local law enforcement agencies. Williams also thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance in this case.

“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,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. “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.”

As part of his sentence, Kidd will also serve five years of supervised release. The case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olga I. Zverovich, Christopher Brumwell, and Steven J. Kochevar leading the prosecution, assisted by Paralegal Specialist Shannon Becker.

The sentence marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Jonathan Johnson’s family and the community affected by the crime. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and the importance of continued efforts to combat it.

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