Gang Member Convicted of First Degree Murder

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Major Crimes Unit obtained a conviction against a Chattanooga man identified as a member of the criminal street gang, the Black Crime Family. Following a three-day trial, Jamar Laquinn Frazier, 28, was convicted of First Degree Murder. After the jury returned their verdict, Judge Scott Green imposed a mandatory life sentence.

At trial, Assistant District Attorney Leslie Nassios explained to the jury that on July 3, 2012, Knoxville Police Department officers responded to a shooting at 131 Overbrook Drive. Witnesses at the scene stated that during a fight between a number of individuals, Frazier arrived in a maroon Jeep Cherokee and chased the victim into the woods, brandishing a pistol. Frazier then shot the victim twice in the head. KPD Investigator Tim Riddle interviewed Frazier whose account of events changed multiple times during the interview. Frazier also testified at trial, again changing his story, but the jury discredited his version of events. Nassios also cross-examined Frazier about his membership in the Black Crime Family, which Frazier claimed to be a rap record label but authorities know to be a criminal street gang affiliated with the Gangster Disciples.

“If you want to engage in the gang lifestyle, this is the outcome you should expect,” said DA Charme Allen.”Once you make the decision to join a gang and participate in criminal activity, it is the job of the DA’s Office to protect the community by locking you up for as long as possible.”

First Degree Felony Murder carries a mandatory life sentence with the possibility of parole after the Defendant serves fifty-one years in prison.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.