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Overview
- A federal jury on Wednesday convicted Alexandra Nicks and Shaquille Richards of murder in aid of racketeering and related firearm offenses tied to an October 2017 drive-by in Houston’s Third Ward.
- Prosecutors presented recorded jail calls, social-media posts, witness testimony and data recovered from a previously locked phone after a four-year effort to link the two defendants to the attack.
- Four alleged shooters in the case previously pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on September 2, 2026, while Nicks and Richards are scheduled for sentencing on November 4, 2026.
- Investigators say the October 2017 retaliation was aimed at rival Young Scott Block, missed its intended target and killed 53-year-old bystander Sam Johnson who had no gang ties.
- The Justice Department framed the convictions as part of a broader RICO-style strategy to hold gang leaders accountable and reduce community violence, with officials warning all six defendants face potential life terms.