In the late hours of July 1, 2017, which bled into the early morning of July 2, 2017, a male named Vernardo Washington was fatally shot at Club CJ's, a nightclub located just outside of Cruger, Mississippi, in Holmes County. The events that transpired on that night led to a thorough investigation and the eventual prosecution of several individuals.
A Holmes County grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging brothers Pretzea Love and Demantreas Love, along with Jamar Newsome, in
connection with the death of Vernardo Washington. The charges included capital murder, aggravated assault against another individual, and multiple counts of armed robbery. The indictment alleged that the murder of Vernardo Washington occurred while the accused were engaged in the commission of an armed robbery. Pretzea Love faced an additional charge for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In a joint trial held from May 17 to May 19, 2021, both Pretzea and Demantreas Love were tried for their roles in the crimes committed at Club CJ's. During the trial, Jamar Newsome, who was also indicted, testified as a witness for the state, providing an insider's account of the events that led to Washington's death. The prosecution presented its case, and after deliberation, the jury found both brothers guilty on all counts.
Following their convictions, Pretzea Love and Demantreas Love were each sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the capital murder of Vernardo Washington. They also received additional sentences for the armed robbery and aggravated assault charges. Pretzea Love was sentenced as a habitual offender. The conviction for the armed robbery of another victim was noted as the underlying felony for the capital murder charge against Pretzea Love and was merged for sentencing purposes. Both brothers later appealed their convictions.
