RIVERSIDE, CA – A botched marijuana deal turned fatal in San Bernardino in July 2021, and now two brothers are paying the price. Martrell Patrick Shaw, 20, and Rontrell Brainell Shaw, 22, both of San Bernardino, have been sentenced to significant terms in federal prison for their roles in the armed robbery that left the victim, identified as “D.M.” in court documents, dead from gunshot wounds.
The scheme, according to court records, involved a deliberate plan to rip off the marijuana dealer. The Shaw brothers, along with their cousin Dillion Jones, 20, of San Bernardino, arranged to purchase one pound of marijuana despite knowing they had no means to pay. The trio intended to rob the victim at gunpoint. Martrell Shaw and Jones were the direct perpetrators, bringing a loaded firearm to the supposed drug deal, while Rontrell Shaw served as the getaway driver.
On July 31, 2021, the meeting took a deadly turn. As the victim arrived at the location in San Bernardino, Martrell Shaw and Jones robbed him at gunpoint. During the commission of the robbery, a firearm was discharged twice, striking the victim in the neck and torso. The pair then made off with the marijuana and a firearm belonging to the victim, who later succumbed to his injuries. Rontrell Shaw promptly picked up his brother and cousin, attempting to evade law enforcement.
“These defendants’ greed and violence led to the death of the victim,” stated U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. “Their disregard for human life has left the victim’s family and friends devastated.” The Justice Department announced Monday that Martrell Shaw received a 20-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty in May 2023 to one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act) and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death. Rontrell Shaw was sentenced to 14 years after pleading guilty in March 2023 to one count of Hobbs Act robbery.
Both brothers were ordered to pay $14,342 in restitution to the victim’s father to cover funeral expenses. Their cousin, Dillion Jones, also pleaded guilty to multiple charges – including Hobbs Act conspiracy, robbery, and discharging a firearm resulting in death – and is scheduled to be sentenced April 1st, facing a potential life sentence. Christopher Bombardiere, ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge, emphasized the agency’s commitment to pursuing violent criminals, stating, “In this instance, greed outweighed humanity.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the San Bernardino Police Department jointly investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter H. Dahlquist of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting the matter. This case serves as a grim reminder of the escalating violence surrounding illegal drug transactions and the severe consequences for those who choose to profit from such activity.
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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