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Gang War Sentencing: 3 Get Decades for Bystander Death
4 Sep
Summary
- Three men sentenced for 2017 death of Samuel Johnson.
- Gunman received 35 years; accomplices received 20 and 14.5 years.
- Killings linked to gang war orchestrated by rapper OMB Bloodbath.
In October 2017, a fatal shooting in Houston's Third Ward claimed the life of Samuel Johnson, an innocent bystander. This event has now led to federal prison sentences for three individuals involved: Deandre Watson, Mertroy Harris, and Marcus Christopher. Watson, identified as the shooter, received the longest sentence of 35 years. Christopher was sentenced to 20 years, and Harris to 14 years and six months. These sentences stem from their roles in a crime prosecutors linked to Houston rapper Alexandra Nicks, known as OMB Bloodbath.
Authorities accused Nicks and another individual, Shaquile O'Neal Richards, of orchestrating the shooting to retaliate against a rival gang, Young Scott Block, amidst an ongoing territorial dispute with the 100% Third Ward Gang. Harris testified that he and others were pressured to retaliate. During the incident, Watson fired at least 27 shots from an assault rifle at a residence, striking Johnson as he walked nearby. Watson and Christopher have expressed remorse for their actions, acknowledging their part in Johnson's death.
