Eric Nixon, Gang-Related Attempted Murders, Virginia 2022

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - In a sentencing hearing, Eric Nixon, a 25-year-old Hampton man, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in a gang-related racketeering conspiracy that involved multiple murders, attempted murders, and drug trafficking.

According to court documents, Nixon, along with members of the 36th Street Bang Squad gang, were involved in multiple violent crimes in Hampton and Newport News between 2015 and 2017.

On January 2, 2017, Nixon and another gang member engaged in a shoot-out with rival gang members who were standing outside a convenience store in downtown Newport News. On February 26, 2017, Nixon shot a rival gang member in the head during a drive-by shooting in Newport News, because the rival had disrespected the gang on social media. The rival gang member survived the shooting after undergoing brain surgery.

Nixon was convicted on six counts of crimes in aid of racketeering, including racketeering conspiracy, two attempted murders, using a firearm in each crime, and having another person unlawfully purchase a firearm for him. Co-defendant Martin L. Hunt, 24, of Newport News, was sentenced to multiple life sentences for his role in the conspiracy on May 6.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard Zlotnick and Brian Samuels and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Cross from the Eastern District of Virginia, and Trial Attorney Chad McHenry from the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.

Chief U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis presided over the sentencing hearing. The case is part of an ongoing effort by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia to combat gang activity and violent crime in the region.

Nixon's sentence is a result of his involvement in the racketeering conspiracy, which involved multiple violent crimes and drug trafficking. The sentence reflects the severity of the crimes and the need to hold individuals accountable for their actions.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-52.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/36th-street-bang-squad-member-sentenced-gang-related-attempted-murders