Fifteen-year-old Anthony Brown of New York City was killed in Richmond, Virginia, on November 20, 1991. The killing followed a planned robbery tied to drugs Brown was carrying. Tina Poindexter, who knew Brown had brought drugs, told Kevin DeWayne Cardwell about Brown’s arrival. Cardwell then conspired with Jermaine Jones, Richard Claiborne, and Craig Coles to rob him.

An initial ambush at Poindexter’s car produced only Brown’s duffle bag and shoes; the drugs were not found. Poindexter later told Cardwell Brown still had the drugs. Cardwell directed Poindexter to lure Brown to an apartment with a promise of helping him recover his belongings. Cardwell, armed with two pistols, one operable, was involved in the shooting that ended Brown’s life. Richard Claiborne later testified about the events and his testimony contributed to a conviction of Kevin DeWayne Cardwell for capital murder.