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Two Syracuse gang members, Carl Newton Jr. and Synike White, were sentenced to 75 years to life in prison on Tuesday (February 25) for their involvement in a series of violent crimes. The pair, associated with the Uptown gang, were convicted of aggravated enterprise corruption, second-degree murder, and attempted murder.
Judge Matthew Doran imposed the maximum sentence, highlighting the "trail of devastation, pain, and destruction" caused by their actions. Newton, 38, was identified as a leader within the gang, while White, 33, held a lower rank. The convictions stem from the murder of Jarrette Johnson on August 15, 2021, and the attempted murder of Donta Albert a few weeks earlier on July 28, 2021.
The sentencing followed a two-week trial where prosecutors presented evidence of the Uptown gang's long-standing involvement in narcotics trafficking and violence. According to Syracuse.com, the jury found both men guilty of multiple charges, including intimidating a witness and criminal possession of a weapon.
Despite the convictions, both Newton and White maintain their innocence and plan to appeal. Newton's attorney argued that there was no evidence linking him directly to the crimes, while White claimed his legal representation was inadequate. Judge Doran, however, cited "overwhelming evidence of guilt" in his ruling.
District Attorney William Fitzpatrick expressed hope that this case marks the beginning of efforts to dismantle Syracuse's gangs, as reported by Syracuse.com. The Uptown gang has been connected to various criminal activities over the past two decades, including drug trafficking and shootings.