Brooklyn church robbery suspect shot and killed by U.S. Marshals. In a dramatic turn of events, Shamar Leggette, the suspect who ranked third on New York’s most wanted fugitives list for the brazen robbery of Bishop Lamor Whitehead during a live-streamed church service in 2022, was shot dead by US Marshals in New Jersey. The shooting occurred during a confrontation as Marshals sought to apprehend Leggette for his alleged involvement in the armed robbery.
The incident unfolded at the MHO Inn and Suites in Monmouth Junction, where Leggette, 41, was staying. Reportedly, as he exited the hotel, he fired shots at the waiting officers. A female companion inside the hotel surrendered to authorities prior to the confrontation, providing a tense backdrop to the unfolding events.
“This is the guy that was at large and he came and put the gun to my head and ripped my clergy collar off and ripped my chains off and he was just brutal,” remarked Bishop Whitehead, emphasizing the senselessness of the situation.
Leggette’s notoriety stemmed from his involvement in the robbery at the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in Canarsie on July 24, 2022. The audacious heist, which took place in the midst of Bishop Whitehead’s live-streamed sermon, involved masked assailants, later identified as Leggette and his accomplices. The thieves targeted the bishop and his wife, making away with a significant haul, including the bishop’s $75,000 Rolex watch, a $75,000 Cavalier watch, and a $25,000 ruby and diamond ring.
In response to the news of Leggette’s death, Bishop Whitehead took to Instagram Live to share his perspective. The bishop, known for his flashy style and referred to as the “Bling” Bishop, revealed the emotional toll of the robbery. He stated that Leggette was the individual who had put a gun to his wife’s face and his eight-month-old daughter’s face during the on-camera robbery. Expressing both forgiveness and sorrow, Bishop Whitehead extended his condolences to Leggette’s family.
Despite facing extortion and wire fraud charges himself, Bishop Whitehead displayed a remarkable level of forgiveness, expressing a willingness to extend his services to Leggette’s family for a funeral. “I forgive him, and I do want to extend my services to the family,” stated the bishop.
Leggette’s criminal history included serving time for robbery, attempted murder, and weapons possession. His involvement in a 2002 armed mugging of former NBA player Chris Childs outside a Manhattan restaurant added to his notoriety. Following his release on parole just six months before the church robbery, Leggette became a key figure in the high-profile case that had garnered significant attention in the media.
Apart from the Brooklyn church robbery, Leggette was also wanted for attempted murder and robbery in connection to a Queens mugging and faced charges in Rhode Island for a shooting and robbery incident. The events leading to his death mark the culmination of a criminal journey that spanned years and involved various violent offenses.
The shooting of Shamar Leggette by US Marshals raises questions about the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement in apprehending individuals involved in serious crimes. It also underscores the broader issues related to crime and justice within the New York criminal landscape.
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