A member of a Columbus gang, who showed a lack of empathy by laughing in court at the grieving family of two individuals he killed and a third person he wounded in April 2021, has been sentenced to a minimum of 46 years in prison.
In April 2021, 19-year-old Nickolas Cowans and 24-year-old Kevin Williams were tragically shot and killed, while a third victim sustained injuries. After careful consideration, a jury in August found Datwain Crudup, 29, guilty of four counts of murder, as well as one count each of attempted murder and felonious assault for his involvement in the incident.
Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor Leigh Bayer expressed her strong disapproval of the defendant’s behavior, stating, “The fact that he could laugh at these women… is the most gross thing I’ve ever seen. Zero has been learned from this. To have the person who is responsible for their deaths laugh in their families’ faces during their sentencing is just unfathomable.” Bayer’s comments highlight the profound impact of the defendant’s actions and the lack of remorse demonstrated in the courtroom.
The victims were completely unaware of the impending danger until the sound of gunshots filled the air. At the time of the shooting, Crudup, who had a prior conviction for aggravated robbery, was still on parole.
Bruce McCaskill, Cowans’ grandfather, admitted that despite being an ordained minister, he has struggled to overcome his deep-seated hatred for Crudup.
McCaskill expressed her strong condemnation of the act of murdering people in broad daylight, emphasizing the inherent evilness that society should not tolerate or be exposed to. She candidly shared the profound impact such actions have on her own well-being, stating that it challenges her core beliefs and teachings, making it difficult for her to find forgiveness and rid herself of the lingering hatred in her heart.
According to Ebony Williams, the sister of the victim, her family has been deeply affected by the loss of her brother and the injury of another relative in the shooting incident. It is difficult for her to comprehend how someone like Crudup, who is a parent himself, could cause such devastation to other families.
“I’m quite certain that you wouldn’t want anyone to take what’s rightfully yours,” she pointed out. “Yet, you ended up taking it away from yourself.”
According to prosecutors, Crudup is a known member of the Hilltop Posse street gang, which has ties to the Crips.
During his chance to address the audience, Crudup firmly denied any involvement in the murders and emphasized that he had not turned his back on the truth.
In a compelling video presented as evidence during the trial, Crudup can be seen swiftly exiting a vehicle and sprinting towards the location where the shooting occurred. Moments later, he hastily returns to the awaiting car, leaving behind a sense of urgency and intrigue.
