On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk sentenced La’Vontray Hayes-Williams to nearly 9 years in prison for a carjacking incident that occurred in 2022.
The incident took place on July 7, 2022, outside a Family Dollar store located at 6440 West Florissant Avenue in Jennings. Hayes-Williams brandished a handgun and demanded the keys to a 2018 Nissan Sentra from the driver, commanding, “Give me the car.” He then fled the scene in the vehicle with his girlfriend. The victim immediately contacted the police, who promptly located Hayes-Williams and initiated a pursuit. The chase extended almost ten miles and speeds exceeded 100 mph.
In January, Hayes-Williams pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
The St. Louis County Police Department led the investigation into this case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Nino Przulj handling the prosecution.
