PHILADELPHIA, PA – Keenan Righter, 21, of New Castle, Delaware, was sentenced on Tuesday to 280 months in federal prison for his involvement in two brazen armed carjackings that shook Delaware County early last year. The sentencing, presided over by United States District Court Chief Judge Mitchell S. Goldberg, also includes five years of supervised release, an order to pay restitution totaling $1,919, and a $500 assessment.
Righter was convicted by a jury in May on charges of conspiracy, carjacking, and using a firearm during a crime of violence, stemming from his role in two violent incidents that occurred in January 2023. His codefendant, Jamar Miller, previously admitted guilt to similar charges and awaits sentencing.
The first carjacking transpired on January 14, 2023, outside a Wawa convenience store on Route 322 in Upper Chichester Township. Righter, along with accomplices in Miller’s vehicle, ambushed a 23-year-old college student, demanding his car at gunpoint. The victim was pistol-whipped before the assailants fled in his vehicle.
A subsequent incident on January 24, 2023, saw Righter and another male executing a similar attack outside a Wawa on Edgmont Avenue in Brookhaven. Here, a 33-year-old man was violently assaulted and robbed at gunpoint before the attackers absconded with his car.
The swift apprehension of Righter followed a diligent investigation led by the FBI’s Newtown Square Resident Agency, supported by local law enforcement from Brookhaven and Upper Chichester. Key forensic evidence played a pivotal role in linking Righter to both crimes.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero commented on the case’s resolution, highlighting the impact of such crimes on the community. “Imagine the shock of being violently ambushed on a Wawa run, of all things,” said Romero. “Keenan Righter targeted and terrorized total strangers, just to steal their cars. Armed criminals who think they can victimize innocent people with impunity should take a good hard look at 21-year-old Mr. Righter’s 23-year prison sentence.”
FBI Special Agent Wayne A. Jacobs echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the collaborative effort in combating violent crime. “Such brazen and senseless acts, like the ones in this case, not only devastate the victims but our community at large,” Jacobs stated. “Our office will continue to work alongside our local law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to keep violent offenders off the streets and ensure our neighborhoods are a safer place to live.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program uniting various law enforcement levels with community partners to combat violent crime and enhance public safety. The investigation and prosecution were conducted by the FBI in partnership with local police departments and Special Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Doherty and Branwen McNabb O’Donnell.
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