ST. LOUIS — A St. Louis man pleaded guilty to a double homicide that took place in 2021 in St. Louis' Central West End neighborhood.
Javonn Javontay Nettles, 30, pleaded guilty on Monday to second-degree murder. He will serve two concurrent 10-year sentences, according to a press release.
According to police, on Jan. 24, 2021, in the 400 block of Laclede Avenue, Nettles and an accomplice, Andre Anderson, shot and killed 26-year-old Darrion Rashad Rankin-Fleming and his 7-year-old daughter Dmyah Fleming while they were sitting in a parked car.
Nettles and Anderson were charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting.
The 30-year-old was scheduled to go to trial in July 2022 but charges were dismissed and refiled because former prosecutors said "they were not ready to proceed," the release said. Charges were again dismissed and refiled in April 2023 as prosecutors were not ready.
“After thorough consideration, it is our view that this plea agreement represents the best result that could be achieved under the circumstances,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “While far from perfect, this plea holds the perpetrator accountable for these tragic deaths.”
Anderson, 27, is still awaiting trial, the release said.
Resources for crime victims:
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
Cure Violence is an international organization that is present in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities.