A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison after prosecutors say he shot and killed a man who he met on Craigslist during what the victim thought was a drug deal.
Toussaint Hampton was found guilty after a seven day trial of two counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated robbery and possession of marijuana while possessing a firearm, according to a news release from the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.
Hampton shot and killed 44-year-old Philip Peny on Nov. 19, 2016 outside of the Oxford Downs Apartments, prosecutors say.
Peny was found lying outside of his car with multiple gunshot wounds.
This came after prosecutors say Hampton answered a Craigslist ad from Peny and agreed to buy $1,700 in marijuana from him.
But, when Hampton and his girlfriend, identified as Bell Kiantrenay, went to meet Peny, he didn’t actually bring any money.
Instead, prosecutors say Hampton fired seven shots at Peny, took the marijuana from him and left.
Police were ultimately able to track Hampton through cellphone tracking.
Prosecutors say during the interim period, Hampton had conducted internet searches that included the phrase “I shot a person” and “Do you have to find the murder weapon on a suspect?”
Phone records also showed he tried to sell the stolen marijuana.
Kiantrenay pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana, accessory to a crime and temparing with evidence on Oct. 23.
She’ll be sentenced later this month and will receive between six to 16 years in prison.
