An armed robbery suspect was fatally shot by US Marshals in New Jersey during an arrest operation, making headlines as one of New York's most wanted fugitives.
According to a report, Shamar Leggette was reportedly connected to the live-streamed robbery of Brooklyn bishop Lamor Whitehead in 2022. Tragically, Leggette lost his life after engaging in a shootout with law enforcement at an MHO Inn and Suites in Monmouth Junction.
Brazen Church Heist Mastermind
The fatal encounter unfolded when the US Marshals attempted to apprehend Leggette, who had been on the run after orchestrating a high-profile armed robbery at the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries in July 2022.
During the brazen heist, at least three masked assailants, including Leggette and his accomplices Juwan Anderson and Say-Quan Pollack, held Bishop Whitehead, his wife, and their child at gunpoint during a live-streamed sermon.
The shocking footage of the church robbery captured the masked assailants storming the church and robbing Bishop Whitehead and his wife of approximately $1 million worth of jewelry, including a $75,000 Rolex watch, a $75,000 Cavalier watch, and a $25,000 ruby and diamond ring.
Following the incident, Anderson and Pollack were swiftly arrested, leaving Leggette as the primary target for law enforcement. The suspect's notoriety escalated, leading to his classification as the third most wanted fugitive in New York.
Law enforcement's attempts to arrest Leggette came to a head at the MHO Inn and Suites in Monmouth Junction, where he opened fire on US Marshals, prompting a deadly exchange. Authorities had surrounded the hotel with the intention of taking Leggette into custody for his role in the armed robbery that shocked the community during a live-streamed church service, according to Washington Examiner.
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Bishop Forgives Robber Amid Charges
A woman accompanying Leggette inside the hotel surrendered peacefully before the fatal confrontation, according to NBC New York. Despite the violent end to Leggette's criminal career, Bishop Whitehead, who addressed the developments on Instagram Live, expressed condolences to the suspect's family. He revealed that Leggette was the assailant who had put a gun to his wife's and eight-month-old daughter's faces during the traumatic church robbery.
Whitehead, currently facing extortion and wire fraud charges, declared forgiveness towards all three assailants, including Leggette, and offered his pastoral services for the latter's funeral free of charge. The bishop emphasized the senselessness of the situation and lamented the cyclical destruction within the African American community.
Leggette's criminal history, marked by multiple incarcerations, culminated in a violent end just six months after his latest release on parole. His past convictions included a 2003-2010 stint for first-degree robbery involving former NBA player Chris Childs and subsequent convictions for attempted murder and robbery in Queens.
In the attempted robbery involving Childs, Leggette aimed a firearm while his accomplices relieved the former NBA player of valuables. In a moment of desperation, Childs pleaded for his life and handed over his possessions, averting further tragedy. Leggette's criminal activities extended to Rhode Island, where he was wanted for shooting and robbing a man of $50,000 worth of jewelry in August, New York Post reported.
