Show-Me State Times

U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey has sentenced James Furlow, a man from St. Ann, Missouri, to 18 years in prison for his involvement in two carjackings and a store clerk shooting incident. According to the court proceedings, Furlow carjacked a 2017 Kia Sorrento SUV at gunpoint on Dec. 26, 2021, before attempting to break into an ATM by shooting at it.

During the same day, Furlow, along with Monya Jones, robbed a Quick Mart in St. Louis County, where Furlow shot the store clerk in the mouth, causing serious injuries. Furlow's criminal activities continued four days later when he carjacked a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan at gunpoint, leading to a police pursuit that ended with his arrest.

A dating app was reportedly used to facilitate both carjacking incidents. Furlow, aged 20, pleaded guilty to various charges, including carjacking, possession and brandishing of a firearm, robbery, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. On the other hand, Jones, aged 23, pleaded guilty to robbery and firearm-related charges and was sentenced to 13 years and 10 months in prison earlier this year.

The investigations into the case were conducted by the St. Louis County Police Department, the St. Ann Police Department, the Overland Police Department, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassandra Wiemken is responsible for prosecuting the case.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program focuses on promoting community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, establishing enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.

The sentencing of James Furlow serves as a reminder of the consequences of violent criminal behavior and highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safety of neighborhoods.