Convicted Rapper and Stepbrother Found Guilty of Conspiracy to Rob and Kill Man at Fort Lee Motel

Strategic Insights -

A jury in state Superior Court in Hackensack found Charly "Max B" Wingate, a rising New York rapper, and his stepbrother Kelvin Leerdam guilty of conspiracy to rob Allan Plowden, who was staying at the Holiday Inn on Route 4 in September 2006. The plan went wrong when Leerdam shot and killed Plowden's friend, David Taylor. The two men were convicted of felony murder, aggravated manslaughter, kidnapping, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

Key Takeaways:

  • Charly "Max B" Wingate and Kelvin Leerdam were convicted of conspiracy to rob Allan Plowden and were found guilty of felony murder, aggravated manslaughter, kidnapping, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
  • The plan to rob Plowden was conceived by Wingate, who recruited Leerdam and his ex-girlfriend Gina Conway to help with the job.
  • Conway, who took part in the robbery and later testified against Wingate and Leerdam, faces up to 18 years in prison when she is sentenced later this year.
  • The two men showed little emotion as the jury forewoman read the verdict, while some of their friends in the packed courtroom began sobbing as they were led out in hand-cuffs.
  • The defense lawyers stated that they will appeal the convictions and expressed disappointment that the jury gave weight to Conway's testimony.
  • The convictions bring a sense of justice to David Taylor's family, with Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor Martin Delaney stating, "I hope the verdict provides David Taylor's family with some sense of justice."

Statistics:

  • 12-member jury deliberated since Thursday afternoon to reach the verdict
  • Wingate and Leerdam face a maximum sentence of life in prison for felony murder
  • Gina Conway, who took part in the robbery, faces up to 18 years in prison when she is sentenced later this year
  • The two men were convicted of multiple charges, including felony murder, aggravated manslaughter, kidnapping, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery
  • July 31 is the sentencing date for Wingate and Leerdam

Sources:

  • Bergen County Prosecutor's Office
  • Superior Court Judge Harry G. Carroll
  • Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor Martin Delaney
  • Defendants' defense lawyers
  • Gina Conway