From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM – Two Birmingham men pled guilty in federal court to carjacking and the use of a firearm during a violent crime, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp Jr.
See related: Woman carjacked at gunpoint in Homewood, 2 in custody
Kevin Elice Payne, 20, entered his plea before U.S. District Court Judge Karon O. Bowdre on Wednesday to one count of carjacking and one count of using a firearm in relation to a violent crime, in Jefferson County on Oct. 5. Payne’s co-defendant, Kenmarious Markeon Faulkner, 18, plead guilty to the same charges yesterday. The sentencing for Payne and Faulkner is scheduled for April 17.
According to the Department of Justice on Oct. 5, the victim was shopping at the Walmart Supercenter on Lakeshore Parkway in Homewood. As the victim got into her vehicle, Payne and Faulkner prevented her from closing the door. Wearing a ski mask and brandishing a pistol, Payne said, “I’ll blow your head off if you don’t give me your money.”
Payne and Faulkner then grabbed the victim and forcibly removed her from the vehicle. The assailants then stole the victim’s car and sped away. Shortly thereafter, Homewood Police Department alerted patrol officers to be on the lookout for the victim’s vehicle. Moments later, the car was spotted by an officer traveling on I-65 North. Following a lengthy pursuit, officers rammed the fleeing vehicle, causing it to crash. Payne and Faulkner were immediately taken into custody.
“These violent defendants have been brought to justice and they will have plenty of time in a federal prison to pay for their crimes,” Town said. “These crimes are far too prevalent in the Northern District and thus our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies will remain in their phalanx to not only police violent crime, but defeat it.”
“Thanks to the work of the Homewood Police Department, these dangerous and violent criminals were quickly taken into custody and have now admitted to their crimes,” Sharp said. “The FBI will continue to work with our partners to address this type of violent crime.”