BALTIMORE — Kenneth “Slay” Jones, a known Black Guerilla Family (BGF) hitman was sentenced to two life sentences plus 15 years after being convicted in a multi-defendant gang prosecution initiated by the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City (SAO) in 2013. The SAO’s Major Investigations Unit (MIU) indicted nearly 50 individuals who were associates or members of BGF. The defendants were accused of operating in the East Baltimore neighborhood of Greenmount.
Jones was convicted of first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, first degree assault, use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence, prohibited person with a firearm, participation in a criminal gang, and conspiracy to establish and entrench a gang by unlawful means. The case was prosecuted by MIU Chief Gerald Collins, and veteran homicide prosecutor, Assistant State’s Attorney Richard Gibson, Jr., also a member of MIU.
In 2013, investigators learned of the efforts to establish a BGF regime in an area near the Greenmount Cemetery from as early as 2005. Members of the regime gained control over that community by trafficking illegal drugs, using firearms, and committing serial acts of violence.
Federal, State, and Local law enforcement officials helped MIU build a formidable case against Jones based on crimes that were historically linked to him.
In particular, Jones shot and killed Gregory Rochester in January 2007, after Rochester was rumored to have been cooperating with law enforcement. On the day of Rochester’s murder, Baltimore Police Detective James Lloyd was called to 221 E. 25th Street for a report of a homicide. Rochester was found dead, with several gun shots to his head and torso. In June of 2007, a witness identified Jones as the shooter. However, further investigation in 2013, into the BGF Greenmount regime, resulted in the indictment of Jones for this offense.
Additionally, in 2011, Jones attempted to shoot and kill Perry Johnson. Jones was apprehended and identified by witnesses as the man who shot Johnson. Based on the initial investigation by Baltimore Police Detective Chris Wade, Jones ultimately pled guilty to possession of a handgun. In 2013, investigators uncovered that this shooting was in retaliation for gang members’ belief that Johnson was talking to the police.
In 2013, Jones was charged with the attempted murder of Lamontae Smith. This incident occurred on October 5, 2013, when Jones shot Smith twice while he was in the 300 block of E. 24th Street. Witnesses identified Jones as the shooter.
“This prosecution effort, hopefully, sends a message to any current or would-be gang members that there are serious consequences to participating in a violent criminal enterprise. We want them to consider if their freedom is worth the violent lifestyle they’ve chosen to live,” said Collins.
MIU’s prosecution strategy relied upon a seldom used gang statute to tie Jones and his co-defendants to a sustained campaign of violence and drug trafficking over an eight year period.
“It’s a new day for gangs in Baltimore City, who have for far too long turned promising communities into drug war zones,” said State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby. “ My office has successfully convicted several members of this brutal organization, which have terrorized neighborhoods all across this city. We will continue to be persistent in ensuring that these repeat violent offenders face the maximum penalty allowable by law. Let me be clear, BGF does not own our streets, and we will make no room for them to continue their violent drug operations in our city.”
