She couldnt belive what her nephew was into. If they refuse, she said they will throw the book at them with charges designed to put people away for decades, not years. has so far arrested more than 2,500 criminals. The Instagram hit lists surfaced after a drive-by shooting in Detroit in July 2014. The gang was posting pictures on Instagram of people on the hit list, you know, shoot and kill on site, former U.S. attorney Barbara McQuade told WDIV Detroit last year, which, she added, makes good evidence for us., The phenomenon, at least in scholarly circles, has a name: Its called cyber banging.. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Julie A. Finocchiaro of the Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. In Charleston, the gang concentrated on selling one drug: the opioid OxyContin, a powerful and addictive pain medication, according to the government. These rival gangs have been violently attacking one another and have posted respective "hit lists" on social media. Seven Mile Bloods or SMB members have claimed this area as their territory and refer to it as the Red Zone. The area is in zip code 48205, which SMB members refer to as 4-8-2-0-Die in some of their rap lyrics. "Seven of them got shot, four of them fatally," McQuade said. "It's getting out of control," a resident said. There was no gang war and no organized crime, defense lawyers argue. The Seven Mile Bloods and its rival conducted a gang war on the east side of Detroit, leading to an increase in murders and shootings in that part of the city, said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. Prosecutors say the drug ring generated more than$80,000 a week and trouble down south. In 2009, members started buying extra pills from Red Zone residents who had prescriptions, prosecutors allege. (Video: YouTube). U.S. v. Farid FataArchive of Fata Facilitator Website www.FataClaims.com, Archive of Fata Facilitator Website www.FataClaims.com. Using racketeering statutes, prosecutors charged multiple members of the gang. Federal prosecutors are piecing together a rare death penalty prosecution against members of the Seven Mile Bloods, a notorious east-side Detroit gang blamed for terrorizingneighbors, fueling the opioid epidemic and assassinatingrivals targeted on Instagram hit lists. The twins also belong to the Seven Mile Bloods rival gang, the Hustle Boys, prosecutors say. Evidence presented at trial showed an ongoing gang war between the Seven Mile Bloods and an alliance of other gangs operating on Detroits east side stemming from a murder that occurred in July 2014. The Seven Mile Bloods turned several abandoned homes, or"trap houses,"into drug stores within The Red Zone where narcotics were stashed before being sold to customers across Metro Detroit and beyond. More than 1,000pages of federal court records and trial testimony illustrate how prosecutors used Facebook and Instagram posts, YouTube videos and rap lyrics to try and topple a social-media savvy gang that had a death grip on both the opioid drug trade and violence on the east side of Detroit. After a 10-week trial in the Seven Miles Bloods case, the jury took seven days before coming to its decision to convict four defendants on racketeering charges under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Jess Hardiman. Federal investigators said nearly 20 members controlled the entire 48205 zip code in Detroit. Rappers linked to the Seven Mile Bloods shot thisvideoat an area strip club. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. According to evidence presented during the trial, the Seven Mile Bloods gang operates on the east side of Detroit, between Gratiot Avenue and Kelly Road and between Seven and Eight Mile Roads. Seven Mile Bloods Chronology Contributed by Robert Snell (Detroit News) p. 1. The gangs reach extended far beyond Detroit. Police know the gang wars are driving up crime numbers, so a team of the best of the best has been assembled. "But it also makes good evidence for us," McQuade said. The second, created by the Seven Mile Bloods in retaliation, put hits on 62 enemies of the gang, releasing their names and faces on an Instagram account called ooo_big_blood.. Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Departments Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider of the Eastern District of Michigan and Special Agent in Charge Timothy R. Slater of the FBIs Detroit Division made the announcement. Corey Bailey, aka Sonny, Cocaine Sonny, 31, of Detroit, was sentenced to two life sentences and three 10 year sentences, all to run concurrent, after having been convicted of RICO conspiracy; murder in aid of racketeering; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; Arlandis Shy, aka Grymee, Vil, 30, of Clinton Township was sentenced to 18 years after having been convicted of RICO conspiracy; Keithon Porter, aka KP, 32, of Detroit; is awaiting sentencing after having been convicted of RICO conspiracy; murder in aid of racketeering; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. "Drug treatment, money for child support, transportation needs, housing, all kinds of help," McQuade said. First published on March 1, 2016 / 9:18 PM. Members are active on social media p. 5. The incidents. Amongst those convicted are: A fifth defendant, Eugene Fisher, aka Fes, 38, of Detroit, was convicted of two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. "The 7 Mile Bloods are very active and they post a number of things including . People use social media to keep up on family and friends, but a federal investigation found local gangs using Instagram to put out a public hit list that has led to several murders. billy arnold 7 mile bloods. . Hit lists started popping up on. The indictment alleges an ongoing gang war between the Seven Mile Bloods and an alliance of other gangs operating on Detroit's east side stemming from a murder that occurred in July 2014. These rival gangs have been violently attacking one another and have posted respective hit lists on social media. Just a few independent drug dealers, a collection of men from an impoverished neighborhood unfairly lumped together in a flawed case andblamed for violence that was personal, not business. The investigation further resulted in the seizure of more than 20 firearms, including several high-powered assault rifles. Take a 360-degree ride through the streets at the center of the The Red Zone, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Police are actively telling gang members in other zip codes and other precincts the tale of the fall of the red zone. These guilty verdicts are a tremendous victory for the Detroit community that was plagued by the violence, drug dealing and mayhem inflicted by this violent street gang, said U.S. Attorney Schneider. "When I say deserted, I mean on one side of the street, even though there are houses, 12 to 15 of them are empty," a resident said. "Too many people (are) getting killed left and right. Locations of assaultswithin The Red Zone from 2009 to 2016, according to Detroit Police statistics. The jury deliberated approximately seven days before reaching their verdicts. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS More clues can be found on YouTube videos produced in the red zone, providing evidence that has led to dozens of arrests from both gangs. This is how my homies SMB Spade saved me from being stabbed . The five face possible death sentences because prosecutors say they were involved in homicides and violence as part of an organized criminal enterprise that operated a pain-pill pipeline between Detroit and Charleston, West Virginia, the epicenter of the nations opioid crisis. Seven Mile Road . Seven Mile Road is an area in Detroit, Michigan, which is 'one of the most dangerous no-go zones in the USA', according to documentary No-Go Zones: World's Toughest Places. Prosecutors say the racketeering enterprise generated unexplained wealth that Seven Mile Bloods members spent on cars, $50,000 diamond-encrusted Breitling watches, $600 belts and at Detroit strip clubs. All rights reserved. Smaller east side gangs team up as hit lists start appearing on Instagram. Bycoincidence, Arnold had his own meeting with a parole agent that morning. The SMB made The Red Zone into a war zone, U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Julie Finocchiaro said. The jury deliberated approximately seven days before reaching their verdicts. (Video: Tom Gromak/The Detroit News). The violent crime rate is five times higher than the rest of the country.". Official websites use .gov In addition to the gang members previously charged. Eventually, gang members were transporting thousands of pills each trip and had to lay off the stuffers.. Dane graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts. The Detroit zip code 48205 is known by gangs as the "red zone," referring to the color of blood. Detroit's Ninth Precinct on the east side has been home to a gang war that has taken the lives of numerous young gang members and innocent bystanders. Robert Brown II, 37, also known as "RO" and head of the Seven Mile Bloods gang in Detroit, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge George Caram . "Either a fight could break out, a shooting could break out, stabbing - anything. The money really started flowing in, Graveline said. Todays verdict sends a strong message that the Department of Justice and its partners will use every tool available as we continue our work to disrupt and dismantle violent street gangs like the Seven Mile Bloods. (Video: YouTube). The jurys guilty verdicts highlight that our community has no tolerance for the senseless murders and violence spread by gang members. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Julie A. Finocchiaro of the Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. 2023 www.detroitnews.com. The trial was conducted before U.S. District Judge George Caram Steeh in Detroit, Michigan. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. No-Go Zones - World's Toughest Places - Seven Mile Road in Detroit, USA Banged Up: My Story - Toughest Stories from Behind Bars: https://youtu.be/m2VF1ATnrdY. DETROIT A murder hit list posted on Instagram was the final straw for local law enforcement looking to put a stop to violence in one of the country's most dangerous neighborhoods. Social media has become this rapid vehicle for violence, and there are real consequences to it, lives being taken because of that.. 7 Mile, Everyone took losses and everyone went to prison.. Amongst those convicted were: A fifth defendant, Eugene Fisher, aka Fes, 38, of Detroit, was sentenced to 90 months after having been convicted of two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. "Their money-making enterprise is the drug trafficking, they've been involved in the pipeline between West Virginia and trafficking in prescription pills but to protect their turf they are involved in a lot of violence," saidUS Attorney Barbara McQuade. Those 7 mile bloods are left over remnants of a bygone era, hence the wheelchairs. For others, its home. DETROIT - Local 4 had a rare look at the life of a Detroit-based gang kingpin. A war is going on between the Seven Mile Bloods gang and the 6 Mile Chedda Boys. The charges, however, have not ended the violence. The Seven Mile. ALOT of you green ass mfs got hit wit the criss-cross before BEWARE. The biggest threat to gang members, however, would followa chance encounter at a Detroit parole office in July 2014. Evidence presented at trial showed an ongoing gang war between the Seven Mile Bloods and an alliance of other gangs operating on Detroit's east side stemming from a murder that occurred in July 2014. ONeal was afraid and initially wouldnt look at Page. Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade. There's a no-go zone in America that's so dangerous police won't even enter it at night, with a violent crime rate that's five times higher than the rest of the US. An official website of the United States government. The use of social media and the instant accessibility for gangs to insult their rivals is believed by law enforcement to be a main catalyst for violence plaguing Chicagos South and West Sides.. 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. According to authorities, Corey Bailey, also known as Cocaine Sonny or C Murda, ruled the notorious Seven Mile. The caption included emoji crying of laughter. The strategy appears to be working, as crime in the area is down. Bailey was sentenced to two life sentences and three 10 year sentences in prison after being convicted of RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. Meet the key figures in the case, including five facing possible death sentences. Evidence presented at trial showed an ongoing gang war between the Seven Mile Bloods and an alliance of other gangs operating on Detroits east side stemming from a murder that occurred in July 2014. The first list, created by rivals of the Seven Mile Bloods street gang, targeted 10 of the Bloods'. According to federal court documents, gang members used Instagram to create hit lists against their rivals. And Arlandis Shy, 29, was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime. Peterson spoke with Local 4 just after Bailey had been sentenced to life in prison. This shooting war led to increased homicides and non-fatal shootings on Detroits east side. Near Grand River and Oakman, a white Chrysler Sebring filled with Seven Mile Bloods accelerated and pulled alongside the Hustle Boys car. 2023The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Its all on Facebook Live, Andrew Henning, general counsel at the nonprofit Chicago Crime Commission, told The Posts William Wan in June. This shooting war has led to increased homicides and non-fatal shootings on Detroits east side. This is the second chapterin the "Death by Instagram" series. The twins have identical convictions for armed robbery. Editor's note: Detroit News reporter Robert Snell spent more than a year investigating Detroits gang wars and the Justice Departments attempts to topple the Seven Mile Bloods. Partners include the Detroit Police Department Gang Intelligence Unit, the FBI Violent Gang Task Force, which consists of representatives of Detroit Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Michigan Department of Corrections and Michigan State Police, with the cooperation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Detroit gang members handed down prison sentences. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. McQuade said an investigation found that of 10 people posted on one of theInstagram hit lists, only three escaped violent attacks. This 360 tour ofThe Red Zone starts on Tacoma Street, east of Gratiot Avenue, one of the main streets where prosecutors say the Seven Mile Bloods started engaging in organized crime in 2003. According to evidence presented during the trial, the Seven Mile Bloods gang operates on the east side of Detroit, between Gratiot Avenue and Kelly Road and between Seven and Eight Mile Roads. Djuan Page is a Hustle Boy p. 8. billy arnold 7 mile bloods.June 10, 2022 humphrey bogart funeral. The gang paid $15 per pill in Detroit and sold the drug for $60 in Charleston. You dont even have to send a text message. The warring gangs use social media to post pictures of rival gang members they want killed. The jury took about seven days before reaching their verdicts. Billy Arnold, left, and Corey Bailey, right. Orsalyn Peterson is Baileys aunt who loves her family. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The warring gangs use social media to post pictures of rival gang members they want killed. The death penalty? Taylor said, Some of them are already dead (inside).. Arnold and Bailey leaned out of the Seven Mile Bloods car and opened fire, prosecutors allege. While the city was once the heartland of the US automobile industry, it now faces huge issues with poverty and crime. A friend of rapper 'Team Eastside Peezy' races for home amid a hail of bullets. The rapgroup 42 Twinz hasan active YouTube and Instagram presence. Dane is a producer and media enthusiast. ", Topics:True Crime, News, Documentaries, US News, crime, so dangerous police won't even enter it at night, Seven Mile Road is an area in Detroit, Michigan, which is 'one of the most dangerous no-go zones in the USA', a, While the city was once the heartland of the US automobile industry, it now faces huge issues with poverty and crime, stretches from one end of the city to the other, and. All rights reserved. The investigation further resulted in the seizure of more than 20 firearms, including several high-powered assault rifles. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Julie A. Finocchiaro of the Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. , who warns in the documentary of coming too close to enemy lines. A message of hope was given to parents in poor neighborhoods. Seven Mile Bloods or SMB members have claimed this area as their territory and refer to it as the Red Zone. The area is in zip code 48205, which SMB members refer to as 4-8-2-0-Die in some of their rap lyrics. 22, 2018.). "Posting pictures on Instagram of people on the hit list, you know, shoot to kill on site," U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuadesaid. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. The Seven Mile Bloods and its rival conducted a gang war on the east side of Detroit, leading to an increase in murders and shootings in that part of the city, said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. McQuade said officials will go neighborhood to neighborhood until the violence ends, first offering to help people get out of gangs and back into school or careers. [G]ot em.. The Seven Mile Bloods and its affiliated group, Hobsquad, use various gang signs and symbols, including the five-pointed star and a hand displaying all five fingers. Racketeering defendants face extreme odds. All I saw was an eyeball out of the socket, she testified. Partners include the Detroit Police Department Gang Intelligence Unit, the FBI Violent Gang Task Force, which consists of representatives of Detroit Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Michigan Department of Corrections and Michigan State Police, with the cooperation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). He was acquitted of murder and attempted murder. HoneyKomb Brazy Dee Rogers Fam0us.Twinsss Super Nard Doe B (rip) YG (400 Block Spruce Street Bompton Tree Top Pirus) Slim 400 (400 Block Spruce Street Bompton Tree Top Pirus) Jay Rock (112th Street Bounty Hunter Watts Bloods) Suge Knight (Associated with the Mob Pirus of Bompton) Mozzy (4th Avenue Oak Park Bloods) The Game (800 Block Cedar Block Pirus) Ty Dolla Sign (800 Block Culver Street . These rival gangs have been violently attacking one another and have posted respective hit lists on social media. Investigators were able to bring together separate probes into various members of this organization and its criminal activities into one encompassing investigation. BUT just because we really don't have a gang problem [ [not in denial here, bud) doesn't mean we shouldn't be vigilent in trying to deter gang involvement. The case presents a clash of eras because federal prosecutors are armed with digital-age evidence and a 1970s crime-fighting tool for busting organized crime: racketeering conspiracy. This series was originally published Apr. Diondre Fitzpatrick, a/k/a "D-Nice," 26, of Harper Woods, with RICO conspiracy; possession of a firearm during, and in relation to, a crime of violence. They cited the Instagram hit list, strings of boastful Facebook messages, text messages and even rap videos uploaded to YouTube to make the case that the defendants were part of a criminal enterprise dealing drugs as far as Charleston, W.Va. Its social-media-fueled gang war led to an increase in murders and shootings on the east side of Detroit, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski said in a statement. Jim Carrey took photo of moment he thought he had 10 minutes to live after receiving emergency alert on phone, Daughter of policeman shot by Raoul Moat doesn't understand ITV making her 'relive the pain', Why Cristiano Ronaldo and MMA fighters have started painting their toenails black, Police 'seized phone' of Polish girl who claimed she was Madeleine McCann in new twist to case, Mum decides to keep dog after it mauled three-year-old daughter's face leaving her scarred, Domestic abuse victims warned to turn off phones to avoid UK 'Armageddon' alert, Activist who powder-bombed World Snooker Championships has been arrested six times in a year, Man, 36, sentenced to 70 years in prison for spitting at police officers, Mexican Police Find Tunnel For Drugs Trafficking Underneath The US Border. All you see on the news is kids getting killed because gang violence -- people getting into it over stupid stuff.". There's a no-go zone in America that's so dangerous police won't even enter it at night, with a violent crime rate that's five times higher than the rest of the US. Back in Detroit, the Seven Mile Bloods battled with gangs spread across the east side, including the Hustle Boys, Gutta Boys and 6 Mile Chedda Grove. But it's most definite, definite problems coming across the territorial line.". Page was 22. The Instagram hit lists led to multiple deaths and shootings, but they leave a digital trail for police to follow. Hit lists started popping up on Instagram after a chance encounter in summer 2014 between rival gang members at a state parole office on Detroits west side. DETROIT Local 4 had a rare look at the life of a Detroit-based gang kingpin. The west end of the area is ruled by the Seven Mile Bloods, one of Detroit's most notorious gangs. The indictment of 21 alleged members and associates marks a crackdown on the close-knit Seven Mile Bloods, or SMB, which prosecutors hope to dismantle by using their own rap videos and social media against them. Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. The gangs have posted. Robert Brown, aka RO 37, of Warren, was sentenced to 40 years imprisonment after having been convicted of RICO conspiracy; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The investigation further resulted in the seizure of more than 20 firearms, including several high-powered assault rifles. These rival gangs have been violently attacking one another and have posted respective "hit lists" on social media. The trial was conducted before U.S. District Judge George Caram Steeh in Detroit, Michigan. These guilty verdicts are a tremendous victory for the Detroit community that was plagued by the violence, drug dealing and mayhem inflicted by this violent street gang, said U.S. Attorney Schneider. History of the Seven Mile Bloods p. 2. The Instagram hit lists surfaced after a drive-by shooting in Detroit in July 2014. Three recent homicides and the shooting of rapper Phillip Peaks, aka "Team Eastside Peezy, suggest the years-long FBI investigation has not quelled an ongoingwar among east-side gangs. Seven Mile Bloods leader Corey Bailey, aka Cocaine Sonny . Copyright 2017 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. SMB members have claimed this area as their territory and refer to it as the "Red Zone" or "4-8-2-0-Die" in some of their rap lyrics. ", He adds: "Even the police only dare tread dirt in the day. Eugene Fisher was sentenced to 90 months in prison after being convicted of two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. "We give them a phone number they can call if they want help, and at the other end of that phone is someone who can help them with finding a legitimate job.". Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. A dream team of investigators and prosecutors was put together to go after the danger with a message to change these ways or pay the price. In June, the nonprofit organization Chicago Crime Commission released a 400-page book focusing in part on the evolution of gangs since the 1970s and how cyber banging fits in today, as The Washington Post reported at the time. He said he cooked em, Kennedy testified. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Amongst those convicted are: A fifth defendant, Eugene Fisher, aka Fes, 38, of Detroit, was convicted of two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. "These gangs are just as organized as organized crime families," McQuade said. Other alleged gang members charged in the conspiracy have yet to stand trial. Part of that understanding is figuring out how online bravado and bullying, taunting and boasting, has translated to violence in real life. He had apparently mistaking a smiley face emoji Facebook comment as an insult directed at his mom, the AP reported. "Being a concerned mom, I don't want my son being in it," a Detroit woman said. This shooting war has led to increased homicides and non-fatal shootings on Detroits east side. Prosecutors promised jurors during the first round of trials in January that they would hear from another key witness, Michael Davis, who survived the attack and testified twice, in secret, in front of a grand jury.