James Blakemore, Carjacking, Gun Charges, Missouri 2020

In a shocking turn of events, a St. Louis man has been found guilty of carjacking and multiple gun charges. James Blakemore, 36, was convicted of three felonies by a jury in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on Wednesday.

The carjacking occurred on September 16, 2020, at the Convention Center MetroLink Station in downtown St. Louis. The victim, who was napping in his work truck, was awoken by a man who demanded his cash and phone at gunpoint. The thief also stole the victim’s company 2016 Dodge Ram.

The truck was equipped with a GPS tracking device and in-car cameras, allowing police to track down the stolen vehicle. When police arrived, a man jumped out and ran away, leaving behind a backpack with a pistol and a debit card and EBT card in Blakemore’s name.

Evidence and testimony presented at the trial this week showed that Blakemore’s picture was captured by the in-car camera video recording, and his DNA was found in the truck and on the gun. The victim also identified Blakemore as the carjacker.

Blakemore’s sentencing is scheduled for March, where he faces up to 15 years in prison on the carjacking charge, up to 10 years in prison on the felon in possession charge, and 7 years to life in prison on the brandishing charge, consecutive to all other counts.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torrie Schneider and Donald Boyce are prosecuting the case.

In a statement, the authorities said that they are committed to keeping the community safe and holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

The case highlights the importance of advanced technology in solving crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice.

As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this heinous crime, one thing is clear: justice will be served.

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