In the quiet community of Odenton, Maryland, a tragic event unfolded on January 13, 2017, forever altering the lives of those involved. Nathan Antoine Ford, a 24-year-old male, was discovered in his yard, the victim of a fatal shooting. The Anne Arundel County Police Department was called to the 2200 block of Conquest Way for a report of an unknown disturbance, where they found Ford suffering from gunshot wounds.
Despite the immediate response and medical aid, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. An autopsy later confirmed that the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds, and the case was officially ruled a homicide.
The investigation into the death of Nathan Ford led authorities to two individuals, Antonio Eugene Diggs and Jessica Marie Chaney. The evidence suggested that the duo was engaged in a series of random street robberies on the night of the incident. Investigators believe that during an attempt to rob Ford, Diggs shot and killed him. Chaney's role was identified as the driver of the getaway vehicle. Following a thorough investigation that included witness interviews and the execution of search warrants which uncovered evidence linking him to the crime, Diggs was apprehended and charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, armed robbery, and other related offenses. Subsequently, Chaney was also arrested and faced charges of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and other serious crimes for her involvement.
The legal process that followed brought a measure of justice for Nathan Ford. Antonio Eugene Diggs was tried and convicted by a jury for the first-degree murder of Nathan Ford, along with armed robbery and firearm offenses. For his crimes, he was sentenced to life in prison, with an additional five years to be served consecutively. During the trial, his accomplice, Jessica Marie Chaney, testified against him as part of a guilty plea agreement. Chaney pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
