2 Men Get Life Without Parole for Downtown Pittsburgh Drive-By Shooting That Killed Toddler
Two Men Sentenced to Life in Prison for Drive-By Shooting That Killed Toddler
PITTSBURGH—In a tragic incident that shook the city, two men convicted of murder in a drive-by shooting that claimed the life of an innocent toddler have been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Markez Anger, 25, and Londell Falconer, 27, were found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 18-month-old De’Avry Thomas, who was fatally shot last year in downtown Pittsburgh.
According to prosecutors, Mr. Falconer was behind the wheel of the vehicle while his passenger, Mr. Anger, fired more than a dozen shots at another car near the prominent PPG Place building complex in May 2022. Tragically, one of the bullets struck young Thomas, who was seated in the back of his mother’s car. He was pronounced dead at the scene, while his mother miraculously escaped unharmed.
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Security camera footage captured the horrifying moment when Mr. Anger leaned out of the passenger-side window and unleashed a barrage of bullets at the vehicle carrying De’Avry. As the shots rang out, terrified bystanders scattered in fear. Authorities later discovered 13 bullet holes in the targeted car. Additional security footage from the city’s North Side, where the suspects abandoned the vehicle, showed Mr. Falconer exiting the driver’s seat. Fingerprints belonging to both defendants were found on a discarded can and the roof of the vehicle, providing further evidence of their involvement.
Dea’Shea Green, the grieving mother of the young victim, tearfully addressed the judge, revealing the lasting trauma she experiences. She shared, “I struggle to sleep because every time I close my eyes, the events of that day play over and over in my mind. It hurts me even more to know that when I found my baby, there was nothing I could do but hold him and wait for help.”
Despite their convictions, both defendants maintained their innocence, criticized their attorneys, and vowed to seek new trials. Mr. Anger expressed remorse to the victim’s relatives, acknowledging the pain they have endured. Mr. Falconer, who claimed to have known the boy since birth, described him as “amazing” and expressed deep regret for the loss.
Judge Bruce Beemer delivered the mandatory life-without-parole sentences, condemning the shooting as a ”brazen, reckless, and intentional act” that tragically ended the life of an innocent child. In addition, Mr. Anger received an additional 22½ to 45 years for charges of conspiracy, attempted homicide, and firearms offenses.
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