U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Darnell L. Clemons, a convicted felon from St. Louis, to 25 years in prison on Tuesday for multiple crimes involving firearms and violence. Clemons’ offenses include an armed carjacking in 2018, a shooting in 2021, and other related criminal activities.
Clemons’ crime spree began on May 16, 2018, when he and his nephew robbed the manager of a restaurant in University City, Missouri. During the incident, Clemons threatened the victim with a handgun before stealing her car, cash, and phone.
On July 29, 2021, Clemons was involved in another violent episode at a Florissant gas station where he shot a customer during an attempted theft of a firearm by his nephew. The victim sustained permanent injuries from being shot in the back.
Further incidents occurred on August 4, 2021. After engaging in gunfire with unknown individuals in St. Louis’ O’Fallon neighborhood, Clemons entered a stranger’s home through a window. Police later discovered him with a stolen firearm that had been recently discharged.
On December 8 of the same year, Clemons was apprehended by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Fugitive Unit with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations after evading capture during a foot chase through Delmar Loop. He was found carrying another loaded weapon and made threats against law enforcement officers.
According to court documents and testimonies presented at sentencing hearings, Clemons has an extensive criminal history dating back two decades which includes domestic abuse resulting in severe harm to his then-pregnant girlfriend.
Mark Zito of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City commented on the case stating: “This was a career criminal with no regard for human life… Let this sentencing serve as a clear warning – if you prey on the public with guns and fear, we will find you.”
Clemons pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges including carjacking and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.
The investigation involved several law enforcement agencies including local police departments and federal entities such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) along with prosecutors Zachary Bluestone and Matthew Martin leading the case for the U.S Attorney’s Office.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aiming to reduce violent crime by coordinating efforts between law enforcement agencies at all levels while fostering community trust to create safer neighborhoods nationwide.
