Justice Served: Conviction of Anthony Wainwright in Hardee's Restaurant Murder

Anthony Lee Wainwright, 26, was convicted by a federal jury for murdering an employee of a Newport News Hardee's restaurant during an armed robbery. The brutal killing of Diane Green, 23, who was shot in the back of the head, shocked the community and sparked a thorough investigation by the ATF and Newport News Police. The jury's verdict brings a measure of closure to the Green family, who had been searching for justice since the tragic event on September 8, 2007.

Key Takeaways:

• Anthony Wainwright was convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery, weapons violations, murder with a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and killing of a witness to prevent communication to law enforcement.
• Wainwright and two conspirators, Henry Lee Stapleton and Michael Johnson Jr., were involved in the armed robbery and fatal shooting at the Newport News Hardee's restaurant.
• Diane Green, a 23-year-old church member, was killed by Wainwright after recognizing him from church, making the crime even more heinous.
• The investigation was conducted by the Newport News Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard Zlotnick, Lisa McKeel, and Brian J. Samuels prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
• Wainwright faces a maximum penalty of life in prison when he is sentenced on July 22, 2011.
• Stapleton and Johnson have already pleaded guilty to their roles in the crime and will be sentenced on May 12 and July 21, 2011, respectively.
• The case highlights the partnership and commitment of local and federal law enforcement, as well as the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office and the U.S. Attorney's Office, to fight for justice.
• The murder of Diane Green and the subsequent trial have left a deep impact on the community, and the conviction of Wainwright brings some closure to the Green family and the community.

Statistics:

• September 8, 2007: Date of the armed robbery and fatal shooting at the Newport News Hardee's restaurant.
• 25: Number of witnesses who testified during the trial.
• 70: Number of exhibits introduced as evidence during the trial.
• 2011: Year in which Anthony Wainwright, Henry Lee Stapleton, and Michael Johnson Jr. will be sentenced for their roles in the crime.

Sources:

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
• United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia
• Newport News Police Department