Man gets life sentence in drive-by gun killing
Family and friends of both the 16year-old victim and her killer crowded into a small courtroom in Phoenix on Friday to share their stories and to learn the shooter’s fate.
Jason Christopher Lindsey Jr. was sentenced to life in prison. A Maricopa County Superior Court jury in November had found him guilty of first-degree murder, drive-by shooting, and three counts of aggravated assault in the killing of Niani Rayshawn Allen.
Allen and Lindsey, who was 18 at the time, had both attended a basketball game at Sierra Linda High School in 2015, according to court documents. An argument occurred at the event before the two left separately with friends.
Deputy Maricopa County Attorney Lori Eidemanis said Allen was sitting in a black Honda when she was shot in the head. Lindsey was inside a white Chrysler Pacifica.
Victim’s family gives statements
Members of Allen’s family attended the sentencing. Many had traveled from California, Las Vegas and St. Louis.
They showed Judge Michael Herrod photos of Allen. As it ended, he told the family that he believed Allen was with God and that they should hold on to that belief.
Allen’s sister, De’lasha Clark, shared with the court how Allen’s death has taken a toll on the family.
“She had so much promise,” Clark said. “We always thought she would be the one to make it.”
Allen’s family was planning for their youngest child to go to prom and enter adulthood.
“Was it worth it?” Clark questioned Lindsey.
Attorney Benjamin Taylor read a statement on the behalf of Allen’s father and cousin. He said Lindsey will need to humble himself and remember that not only will he be serving a life sentence, but Allen’s family will be suffering as well.
Lindsey, his family, and friends chose to not speak to the court. They didn’t want to cause more pain to Allen’s family, said attorney David Cutrer. He said Lindsey is sorry for what he did, and understands the impacts of his actions and what he will experience in prison.
“There is not anything we can say that can make a difference,” Cutrer told the court.
According to a report by The Associated Press, police said Lindsey admitted to shooting at the Honda, but said he was not trying to hurt anyone.
A community problem
The drive-by shooting struck the heart of the west Phoenix community, according to Eidemanis. The prosecutor, who lives in the area, said the case “really hit home.”
“Those are fun times,” she said of Allen’s teenage years. “It shouldn’t end in gun violence.”
She explained to the court that out of the 10 people involved with the shooting:
❚ Two people are now dead.
❚ Three are in prison.
❚ One is going to prison.
❚ Only one testified in the case without being forced.
Cutrer pointed out that there is a problem in the community. He said the jury was heartbroken for the victim and wondered how the community got to this point. Lindsey’s lawyer and the judge encouraged everyone in attendance to speak up in the community when they see a problem.
“This problem is a community problem,” Herrod said. “Only a community can fix a community.”
Cutrer asked why no one in the community stopped an adult from giving Lindsey alcohol and drugs before the shooting happened.
He said Lindsey was told by family to not hang out with certain people, but he couldn’t be stopped. Lindsey smoked marijuana and drank Hennessy on the night of the shooting, according to Eidemanis.
The prosecutor said Lindsey was on supervised juvenile probation at the time.