News Summary
In a shocking case, three New Jersey men received 30-year prison sentences for attempted murder linked to a mistaken identity shooting in Lexington County. The incident, fueled by a prior drug robbery, escalated as the men targeted innocent victims outside a hotel. Prosecutors detailed the chilling events that led to the brutal attack, resulting in one victim surviving after being shot five times. The community now reels from the consequences of these reckless actions, highlighting the dangers of violence as a solution to personal conflicts.
Tragic Twist in Lexington County: New Jersey Men Handed 30-Year Sentences for Attempted Murder
In a dramatic turn of events that has left the community in shock, three men from New Jersey were sentenced to serve 30 years in prison after being found guilty of attempted murder in Lexington County. The men—Vernon Jenkins, Altariq Cole, and Dyshawn Hines—will serve their time without the chance for parole, thanks to a decision made by Circuit Court Judge Diane S. Goodstein.
A Gruesome Incident
The case stemmed from a horrifying shooting incident that took place on February 20, 2023. It all unfolded outside the Country Inn & Suites on Piney Grove Road, where two innocent victims found themselves at the wrong place at the wrong time. The defendants, drawn into a chaotic plan for revenge, mistakenly targeted these unsuspecting individuals.
The victims were parked in their vehicle when they were suddenly surrounded by the three defendants who demanded they exit the car. Unfortunately, instead of leaving in peace, the situation escalated dramatically. In a chilling turn of events, multiple gunmen opened fire on the victims, leading to chaos.
Consequences of Mistaken Identity
As the bullets flew, one of the victims was struck a staggering five times but, miraculously, survived the brutal attack. The other occupant managed to escape unscathed. This was not simply a case of aggression; it was a sickening example of mistaken identity stemming from a prior altercation involving drugs.
The air was thick with tension as prosecutors laid out the background story for the jury. As it turns out, the motive for the violence was deeply rooted in a drug robbery that had occurred just a day earlier. Hines was allegedly robbed of drugs he was selling for Jenkins, motivating the reckless decision to plan a retaliatory strike against the supposed perpetrators. Unfortunately, the actual victims had zero connection to the drug deal gone wrong.
A Legal Battle and Guilt Proven
The case went to trial and lasted five days, during which evidence was presented that meticulously laid out the actions of the three men. Even though they thought they were exacting revenge, their misguided actions resulted in a life-changing ordeal for the victims involved. The jury found them guilty, marking a doomed end to their path of violence.
Following the trial’s conclusion on April 11, 2025, the long-lasting consequences of their choices became clear. Everyone in the courtroom understood the gravity of the situation, leading to Judge Goodstein’s decision to impose sentences that would echo the seriousness of their actions.
A Community in Distress
As news of the sentence spread throughout Lexington County, the community remained in disbelief. People are grappling with the reality that innocent lives were put at risk due to the reckless choices of a few. Law enforcement and community leaders continue to stress the importance of making better decisions in tense situations to avoid such tragedies in the future.
The hope is that this unfortunate incident serves as a cautionary tale for others who may feel inclined toward violence as a solution for personal grievances. The sentiment is clear: revenge is never the answer, especially when it can so easily lead to innocent bystanders being caught in the crossfire.
As these three men prepare to begin their lengthy sentences, one can only hope that lessons learned in this painful saga help to foster safer, more compassionate communities going forward.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: New Jersey Men Sentenced
- The State: Local Crime News
- WACH: Lexington County Man Sentenced
- MSN: Lexington County Man Sentenced
- WISTV: Columbiana Centre Shooting Sentenced
- Wikipedia: Mass Shooting
- Google Search: Lexington County Crime
- Google Scholar: Lexington County Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shooting Incidents
- Google News: Lexington County News
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
