Roanoke’s Glenn Faces Federal Gun Charges for 2019 Murder

ROANOKE, Va. – Demarcus Sahiquan Glenn, 23, of Roanoke, who was cleared in state court for a May 2019 murder on Denniston Avenue, has been hit with a federal criminal complaint stemming from the same incident.

In a chilling twist of events, Glenn, initially charged with murder, attempted robbery, and use of a firearm, had claimed self-defense during his trial. He said he shot T.P., a 16-year-old victim, in response to being threatened with a gun himself during a drug deal gone awry.

United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh emphasized the severity of the federal charges: ‘It is a federal crime to use, carry, brandish, or discharge a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug transaction.’ Kavanaugh vowed that his office would pursue justice with unwavering commitment.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador echoed the sentiment, stating their dedication to partnering with local law enforcement against drug activity and violent crime in Roanoke.

Glenn was arrested yesterday on charges of using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and brandishing and discharging the firearm. The potential penalties are severe – 10 years to life imprisonment – depending on the federal district court judge’s decision after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Coleman Adams, Kristin B. Johnson, and Matthew Miller are handling the prosecution of this case. The charges come under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, a joint effort aimed at reducing violent crime through comprehensive community engagement and targeted enforcement against high-risk offenders.