Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Saint Louis Man Pleads Guilty for His Involvement in Two Armed Carjackings and Death of Desmet High School Football Coach
St. Louis, MO – Floyd Barber, 23, of Saint Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking, one count of using a firearm in furtherance of one carjacking, and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of the second carjacking where death resulted. Barber appeared today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for September 5, 2019.
According to the plea agreement, on September 9, 2017, Barber was involved in the armed carjacking of a Kia Optima with two occupants in the 5900 block of Cote Brilliant in the City of Saint Louis. During the carjacking, Barber entered the vehicle and drove it from the area, among other things.
On October 16, 2017, Barber was involved in the armed carjacking of a Jeep Grand Cherokee being driven by Jaz Granderson, a football coach at Desmet Jesuit High School. Barber was present as Granderson was shot and killed during the course of the carjacking.
The first armed carjacking charge carries a maximum term of 15 years imprisonment. The second armed carjacking charge carries a maximum term of life imprisonment. As for the firearm charges, Barber faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years for the first and 10 years for the second firearm charge. Each firearm sentence must be imposed consecutively to each other and the carjacking sentences. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. As part of Barber’s plea agreement, the parties intend to recommend a 30-year sentence at sentencing.
The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department and United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating this case.
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