James Smith, a 32-year-old male from Johnstown, PA, tragically died on March 28, 2017. His death was part of a double homicide case involving another victim, Damian Staniszewski, aged 19. The two men were kidnapped, assaulted, and eventually killed by members of the East Main Money Gang , a Columbus, Ohio-based gang operating in Johnstown.
The case began when Smith and Staniszewski were accused of stealing drugs and money from an EMMG stash house. The gang members tracked them down and kidnapped them, taking them to the stash house where they were tortured. The victims were later transported to a wooded area in Somerset County, where they were shot to death. Smith attempted to flee but was shot in the back by Markeus Benson, one of the gang members. Washington, another gang member, returned with another gun and killed both victims.
Law enforcement became involved when the families of Smith and Staniszewski filed missing persons reports shortly after their disappearance. The investigation led to the arrest of several gang members, including Samson Washington, Markeus Benson, and Devon Wyrick. Washington and Benson were found guilty of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, kidnapping, and other charges. The court upheld their murder convictions, and they were sentenced to life in prison.
The case highlighted the dangers of drug trafficking and the violent measures taken by gangs to protect their operations. The guilty verdicts brought some measure of justice to the families of the victims, who had endured years of uncertainty and grief.
