TACOMA – Three more people have been sentenced this week in connection with the kidnapping and death of a former soldier near a darkened and isolated gate at Fort Lewis in 2005.
U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton sentenced Michael Jordan, 21, of University Place; Jacob Gardner, 21, of Milton; and Apryl Joy Beach, 20, of Tacoma, to 19, 10 and nearly two years respectively for their roles. Jordan and Gardner pleaded guilty to a charge of kidnapping resulting in death, while Beach pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact and making false statements.
Christopher Jerry, 20, was kidnapped and shot to death in August 2005. At the time, he had been kicked out of the Army for using drugs and owed money to Jordan, another soldier. Jerry also had angered Thomas Dunigan, a member of the Black Gangster Disciples gang, by arguing with him and threatening him.
Jordan and others tricked Jerry into coming with them for what he thought was going to be a party. Instead, they tied him up, beat him, and called Dunigan, who proceeded to contact other members of his gang – including Markus Moore.
They brought Jerry to the darkened crash gate at the Fort Lewis Ammo Supply Point. When Jerry tried to run, Jordan tackled him. Moore stepped forward and shot him in the head and neck, court records show.
Moore was sentenced to 29 years, and Dunigan received 20 years.
The judge noted that Gardner was the only person who tried to stop the killing, urging Jordan not to follow the rest of the group to Fort Lewis, but instead to steer the vehicle carrying the hogtied victim elsewhere.
Beach was accused of lying to police and destroying evidence.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
