Show-Me State Times

A man from St. Louis, Missouri, Loyse Dozier, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison by U.S. District Judge John A. Ross for his involvement in two carjackings that resulted in the death of one woman and the shooting of another.

During the sentencing hearing, the surviving carjacking victim and the sister of the deceased woman, Laruth Jones, both shared the impact of Dozier's actions. Jones' sister expressed the devastation caused by Dozier's crimes, highlighting the profound loss experienced by their family.

Dozier, who pleaded guilty to several felonies including carjacking resulting in death, attempted carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, was involved in two violent carjacking incidents in 2022. The first incident took place on July 10, when Dozier fatally shot Laruth Jones while stealing her Mercedes CLA 250 at a store in St. Louis County. Dozier then set Jones' car on fire before fleeing the scene.

Less than a month later, on August 1, Dozier shot another woman during an attempted carjacking at a Walgreens in St. Louis. Despite shooting the victim twice with a stolen gun, an off-duty police officer intervened, preventing further harm.

Following a subsequent police pursuit, Dozier was apprehended at a gas station where he abandoned the stolen gun and discarded a bag of fentanyl. It was also revealed that Dozier, a convicted felon, was in possession of cocaine base at the time of his arrest, further adding to his list of charges.

The investigation into these violent crimes involved collaboration between the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Martin prosecuted the case, ensuring that justice was served for the victims of Dozier's heinous actions.