Crittenton's Gang Ties Questioned All Over Again

((HT: ESPN))

Not that this is a complete shock or anything...

With former NBA'er Javaris Crittenton in an Atlanta jail awaiting his trial on charges of murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to deal marijuana and cocaine, not to mention two more indictments that have even more charges attached.

He was indicted in April of 2013 on a 12-count indictment with his cousin Douglas Gamble in the murder of Julian Jones and the attempted murder of another individual. Jones was murdered in August of 2011 when she was walking with Trontavious Stephens, a known member of the "ROC Crew" street gang. Crittenton and Gamble fired several shots at Stephens but hit Jones instead.

It was widely thought that Jones was not the target, but was the member of the party walking along the street that was hit by the gunfire.
Deputy DA Gabe Banks said at the time that Crittenton was a member of the "Mansfield Gangster Crips" and a member of the gang (or "not" depending on if you ask the person ESPN linked to the Crips) denied Crittenton's involvement with the Crips themselves. But if gang activity can be linked to a case, it may be easier to introduce gang-related evidence... Here's John Barr's handiwork in the Crittenton update:

Former NBA Player Crittenton's Legal Issues Pile Up

((espn.com))

This is a serious SMH. We got the opportunity to cover former NBA and Georgia Tech basketball player Javaris Crittenton as early as his High School days when he was teammates with Dwight Howard.

We never thought his career, much less his life would play out like this.

Already in jail and facing murder charges from a 2011 shooting that cost an Atlanta mother of 4 her life, Crittenton can now add drug charges to the ever growing list.

His name along with thirteen other people were named in an indictment that was released on Wednesday. Crittenton was in his Fayetteville, GA house when DEA agents and local police executed a warrant and led him from his home in handcuffs.

Read more from ESPN.com RIGHT HERE

It's just sad to see what happened to a kid who had all the potential in the world. He had crazy success with Howard at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy winning a state title.


That success got him a scholarship to Georgia Tech in 2007, where he played very well his first season, leading the team to an NCAA Tournament berth. He left Tech after one season and was taken by the Los Angeles Lakers in the following year's draft.

We remember when he announced he was leaving Tech that then head coach Paul Hewitt told us he had some concerns Crittenton wasn't ready to handle the NBA life, but he knew there were other issues at play which led to the move. His gun incident while with the Washington Wizards and Gilbert Arenas in 2011, was the tip of the iceberg.

Reading that Crittenton has been linked to gangs, killed someone and was involved with a drug ring is just a sad tag to a life of potential.

A life that seems to now be a total waste.......
WSB-TV in Atlanta  gives us the TV story:

Crittenton Indicted On Murder And Gang Activity

((HT: AJC/Garner))

It has been a fall of prolific and quick proportions for former Atlanta high school, college, and NBA'er Javaris Crittenton...
He was a teammate of Dwight Howard, played at Georgia Tech, and was drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Now, he's up on charges that'll keep him in prison for a long time if convicted.

Fulton County's District Attorney's office put out a 12-count grand jury indictment against him and his cousin that includes charges of "aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, giving false statements, and participation in criminal street gang activity" in the shooting of a woman who was not the supposed target in an August 2011 shooting.

Crittenton was robbed at gunpoint of $55,000 of jewelry in April of that year and was seeking revenge on the crime.

Here's a history lesson on the Crittenton case...

Here's video from August of 2011 when Crittenton waived extradition to Georgia...
((HT: 11Alive/WXIA-TV))

DEVELOPING: Crittenton Out On Bond

((HT: AJC/Garner))

A judge in Atlanta has granted a $230,000 bond to Javaris Crittenton in his murder case.

Judge Karen Woodson rejected a request by Crittenton's attorney, Brian Steel, that all charges in the case be dismissed because, Steel maintains, police had no physical evidence.

Crittenton is charged with malice murder, aggravated assault and gun possession in the August 19th shooting death of Julian Jones. It is alleged that Crittenton shot Jones ((or had Jones shot)) accidentally as he meant to shoot a man in a group with her who he believed had stolen jewelry from him...

Police maintain that Crittenton was picked out of a photo line-up. As a result of being released on bond, he also has to wear an ankle monitor.

Here's your refresher, thanks to our friends at MyFoxAtlanta
((HT: WAGA-TV))

Javaris Crittenton Waives First Court Appearance: MyFoxATLANTA.com

Crittenton Waives Extradition

((HT: MyFoxLA))

Not that this is much of a surprise or anything... but ex-NBA'er Javaris Crittenton waived his extradition rights and is heading back to Georgia to face the murder charge hanging over his head...

Rick Lozano was somewhere near the courtroom...

Former LA Laker Waives Extradition: MyFoxLA.com

On the home side of the matter, Deidra Dukes from WAGA-TV caught up with some of the victim's family and the reaction is not unexpected...
((HT: MYFoxAtlanta))

Victim's Family Relieved at Crittenton Arrest: MyFoxATLANTA.com

DEVELOPING: Crittenton To Surrender Tuesday

Javaris Crittenton's attorney, Brian Steel, says his client plans to surrender to authorities to face murder charges in Atlanta.

Steel says that Crittenton will be leaving Los Angeles and should arrive in Atlanta early Tuesday. He also maintains his client's innocence...

Atlanta police obtained a murder warrant for Crittenton in the Aug. 19 shooting of 22-year-old Jullian Jones. Police say Jones was walking with two men when she was shot and they believe one of the men with her was the target.

Crittenton was, allegedly, in the process of trying to track down the individual or individuals that he thought stole some personal effects...

FOSG's Deidra Dukes and Russ Spencer explain...
((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))

Former Ga. Tech Player Wanted by FBI: MyFoxATLANTA.com

Crittenton Main Suspect In Murder Case

((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))

Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton is the main suspect in the drive-by shooting death of a 22-year-old woman, according to Atlanta police. Jullian Jones was shot back on the 19th and later died of her injuries.

Police said Jones, a mother of four, is not believed to be the actual target, but the act was apparently in retaliation for an April robbery in which Crittendon was a victim.

"It's my understanding there was some jewelry and other valuables that were stolen. It appears that he may have had an NBA ring that was stolen during the robbery," said Atlanta Police Major Keith Meadow.

Meadow said police had reports of Crittenton being in the area more than once asking about the robbery. The APD said they have talked to Crittenton, and are making arrangements with the FBI for him to turn himself in.

Police said witnesses have already identified Crittenton as the shooter in the Jones death.

"We had a great deal of outrage in that community shortly after Ms. Jones was shot and we had a great deal of cooperation from people in the community," said Meadow. "We feel very good and comfortable with the evidence in this particular case."


Justin Gray has the latest...

Police: Former NBA Player Javaris Crittenton Wanted for Atlanta Murder: MyFoxATLANTA.com