⏱ 3 min read
In a brazen string of armed robberies, two Philadelphia men, Lance Ryan and Rodney Whiting, terrorized the city in 2022, leaving three people shot and multiple businesses targeted. The crime spree, which took place between May and October 2022, involved the pair using a privately manufactured semi-automatic pistol, also known as a “ghost gun”, to rob several commercial businesses across Philadelphia. Ryan, 28, and Whiting, 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and firearms charges, with their accomplice charged separately. The motive behind the robberies is unclear, but the outcome is certain: both men will spend decades behind bars.
The robberies were often carried out in broad daylight, with the pair targeting businesses in pairs or as a group. On May 23, 2022, Whiting and the accomplice robbed a 7-Eleven on Mascher Street, making off with approximately $200 and tobacco products. The next day, Whiting, Ryan, and the accomplice attempted to rob patrons at a bar in South Philadelphia, but their plans were foiled when a patron intervened.
Ryan was sentenced to 262 months in prison and five years of supervised release, while Whiting received a 231-month sentence and five years of supervised release. The sentences were handed down by United States District Chief Judge Wendy Beetlestone, who heard the cases in federal court. The investigation was led by federal authorities, including the FBI and ATF, who worked to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in Philadelphia, with the use of ghost guns becoming increasingly common. The privately manufactured firearms are often untraceable, making it difficult for law enforcement to track their origin and ownership. As the city continues to grapple with the problem, the sentences handed down to Ryan and Whiting serve as a warning to those who would engage in similar criminal activity.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Pennsylvania
- Location: PA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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