Men Kidnapped 2 Marijuana Dealers and Tied Them Up. One Was Shot Dead in Back of U-Haul

A man from Baltimore has been sentenced to 27 years in federal prison following his involvement in a fatal armed robbery and kidnapping scheme that took place in Queens, New York. Marcus Pittman, aged 31, who is also known by the nicknames “Nacho” and “Cheese,” was part of a group that targeted two marijuana dealers, leading to a violent confrontation that resulted in the death of one victim.

Court documents reveal that on the night of July 24 and into the early hours of July 25, 2024, Pittman and his accomplices travelled from Maryland to New York City with the intention of robbing two individuals identified in legal proceedings as John Doe #1 and John Doe #2. Both victims were reportedly involved in the marijuana trade.

Upon arriving in New York, Pittman’s co-defendants, Jerome Waters, known as “the Engineer” or “Rome,” and William Barnett, met the victims at what was described as a stash house in Queens. Under the pretext of purchasing marijuana, the duo brandished weapons and initiated the robbery. Pittman and his brother, Delonta Pittman, aged 32, joined them to assist in the operation.

The situation escalated quickly as the group restrained the two victims with zip ties before forcing them out of the stash house and into both a Jeep and a U-Haul van. During this time, approximately 30 pounds of marijuana was stolen from the premises. The robbers attempted to extort further drugs and money from the victims while driving them around Queens under duress.

Tragedy struck during the journey when an altercation erupted in the back of the U-Haul van. Marcus Pittman and John Doe #1 grappled, culminating in Pittman shooting the victim multiple times, which ultimately resulted in his death. After this violent incident, Pittman and his accomplices returned to Maryland.

First responders discovered the body of John Doe #1 shortly thereafter. Disturbingly, he was found still bound by a zip tie with bags of marijuana surrounding him, highlighting the brutal nature of the crime.

Following an extensive investigation, all five men involved—including Marcus Pittman—pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the armed robbery and kidnapping. Pittman specifically admitted to causing death through the use of a firearm in the course of the crime.

In addition to Pittman’s 27-year sentence, other co-defendants received varying prison terms. Delonta Pittman was sentenced to 15 years, Jerome Waters received a 20-year sentence, and Garrett, 21, was handed 13 years. William Barnett, aged 28, is still awaiting his sentencing, leaving a remaining chapter in this tragic case unresolved.

This incident has sparked discussions around the dangers associated with the illegal drug trade and the lengths individuals will go to engage in criminal activities. With a clear example of the potential violence that can erupt in these scenarios, it raises further concerns about public safety and the need for stringent measures within jurisdictions grappling with illegal drug sales.

As the legal proceedings conclude for the involved parties, the case serves as a somber reminder of the risks entwined in the drug dealing landscape and highlights the severe consequences of violent crime.