New Jersey Trio Sentenced to 30 Years for Mistaken Identity Shooting

News Summary

Three men from New Jersey have been sentenced to 30 years each in prison for their roles in a mistaken identity shooting that occurred in Lexington County. The defendants, Vernon Jenkins, Altariq Cole, and Dyshawn Hines, were found guilty of attempted murder after they opened fire on innocent victims, believing they were involved in a drug robbery. The trial revealed a chaotic situation where one victim was shot multiple times but survived. The case highlights the dangers of drug-related violence and the tragic consequences of mistaken identity.

New Jersey Trio Faces 30 Years in Prison for Mistaken Identity Shooting

In a shocking turn of events that unfolded in Lexington County, three men from New Jersey have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms following their involvement in a shooting that could have ended in tragedy. The defendants, Vernon Jenkins, Altariq Cole, and Dyshawn Hines, all in their forties, are heading to prison for 30 years each, found guilty of attempted murder in an incident that stemmed from a mistaken identity.

The Incident

The crime took place on February 20, 2023, outside the Country Inn & Suites located on Piney Grove Road. It was a calm evening until the innocent victims were unexpectedly caught in a dangerous situation. While parked in their vehicle, the two unsuspecting individuals were approached by the defendants, who blocked their way and forced them to exit the car.

A Dangerous Misunderstanding

What transpired next was nothing short of alarming. When the victims refused to get out, the three men—and several accomplices—opened fire on them. In this chaotic scene, one victim was hit five times, but remarkably managed to survive, while the other escaped without any injuries. The suspects’ motivation was linked to a recent drug robbery, a crime that left Hines furious and seeking revenge on what he believed were the actual culprits.

Wrong Place, Wrong Time

The twist in this story is that the victims had no connection to the drug-related activity. They were simply unfortunate bystanders, targeted solely because their vehicle bore a resemblance to that of the intended targets. This mix-up has shocked many, emphasizing the unpredictability and danger of drug-related violence.

A Long Trial

Following a thorough investigation, authorities gathered substantial evidence against the trio. A five-day trial wrapped up on April 11, 2025, culminating in the judge, Circuit Court Judge Diane S. Goodstein, issuing concurrent 30-year sentences for all three men, with no possibility of parole. During the trial, various pieces of digital evidence, including cell phone records and Facebook messages, were presented, demonstrating their involvement in the shooting.

Connecting the Dots

Law enforcement used a tip from a vehicle’s license plate to identify the suspects, leading to their eventual arrest. The digital trail was hard to ignore, as evidence revealed messages that discussed the shooting itself and even attempts to sell firearms. Jenkins, one of the suspects, later admitted to firing at the wrong targets, shedding light on the chaotic circumstances surrounding the attack.

Criminal Backgrounds

A deeper dive into the defendants’ backgrounds revealed prior criminal histories, with records that included offenses related to drugs, weapons, and assault. This alarming trend raises questions about the prevalence of violence linked to drug activity and the risks it poses to innocent individuals.

A Harsh Reality

Prosecutors have pointed to this case as a striking reminder of the threats posed by drug-related violence, particularly in communities like Lexington County. The unfortunate events that transpired that evening are not just a story of mistaken identity, but also serve as a cautionary tale about the dire consequences that can arise from a lifestyle entrenched in criminal activity.

Conclusion

As the three men begin their lengthy sentences, the community is left to ponder not only the dangers of drugs but also the tragic stories that unfold when violence becomes a misguided form of resolution. Justice has been served for the victims, but the shadow of this incident will linger in the minds of many.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• WIS TV: New Jersey Men Sentenced
• WLTX: Three New Jersey Men Sentenced
• WACH: Three NJ Men Sentenced
• ABC Columbia: Three Men Sentenced
• Kentucky.com: Local Crime News
• Google Search: Drug Violence Lexington County