Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
LOS ANGELES – A reputed member of the Pasadena Denver Lanes (PDL) Bloods street gang was arrested today on a four-count federal grand jury indictment alleging he and two other PDL members took part in a one-night shooting spree in Lancaster last year that claimed two lives and almost claimed a third.
Jerry Wimbley III, a.k.a. “Baby Poppa Ckrab,” 20, of Lancaster, was arrested this morning and is expected to be arraigned and make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
Wimbley III is charged with two counts of murder in aid of racketeering.
Also charged in the indictment unsealed today are:
- Vionnie Richardson, 37, a.k.a. “Big Poppa Ckrab,” of Lancaster, who is charged with one count of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition; and
- Jerry Wimbley Jr., 22, a.k.a. “Poppa Ckrab” and “Little Poppa Ckrab,” of Lancaster, who is charged with two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, and who is Wimbley III’s brother.
Richardson is in state custody in Nevada. He is not legally permitted to possess ammunition because his criminal history includes multiple felony convictions in Los Angeles Superior Court, including for second-degree robbery in September 2020, assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury in March 2020, and identity theft in January 2014.
Wimbley Jr. has been in custody on federal robbery and money laundering charges since September 2024.
Richardson and Wimbley Jr. are expected to be arraigned in Los Angeles federal court in the coming weeks.
According to the indictment, on the night of June 25, 2024, Richardson took part in three successive shootings in Lancaster – an attempted murder followed by two murders – and was joined by the Wimbley brothers for the latter two shootings. After each shooting, the defendants gathered at a deceased gang member’s gravesite on the two-year anniversary of that gang member’s death.
Richardson allegedly first attempted to murder victim W.S. in Lancaster and then traveled to the deceased gang member’s gravesite where he met the Wimbley brothers and others. Richardson and the Wimbley brothers next traveled to the area of Whit Carter Park in Lancaster, where they murdered victim E.G. They again returned to the gravesite and then drove to a gas station in Lancaster. As captured on surveillance footage, the defendants murdered victim D.M. and then returned to the gravesite. Throughout the night, defendants allegedly took to Instagram to honor the deceased gang member and pledge allegiance to the PDL Bloods.
The indictment alleges that the murders and attempted murder were committed to enhance the power and influence of the PDL Bloods street gang, which is described as a violent criminal enterprise that has existed since the 1970s and operates in and around Pasadena and the Antelope Valley. The indictment further alleges that PDL engages in murder, robbery and money laundering, among other criminal racketeering activities.
“As alleged in the indictment, these defendants engaged in violent and senseless acts,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “Their alleged shooting spree is intolerable. Today’s charges reflect our Office’s continued commitment to eradicating gang violence and to keeping our communities safe.”
“Bringing violent offenders to justice is one of ATF’s top priorities,” said Kenny Cooper, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Los Angeles Field Division. “This case is a testament to the strength of collaboration among law enforcement agencies at every level. We remain committed to reducing violent crime and ensuring the safety of our communities.”
“The brutality of these alleged crimes reflects a complete disregard for human life and public safety,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. “Gang violence has no place in our communities. The individuals that engage in ruthless crimes that endanger our residents will be pursued and held accountable. Our dedicated homicide detectives, along with our federal partners, have diligently worked to identify, arrest, and dismantle these violent gang networks and protect our communities.”
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted, the defendants would face a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison and a possible death sentence.
The ATF and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Gregg E. Marmaro of the Major Frauds Section, Suria M. Bahadue of the General Crimes Section, and Kevin J. Butler of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case.