FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22. 2024
Orlando Wendell Allen, Jr. and La’Kori Rayquan Brooks Plead Guilty in Unrelated Cases
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Today in Charlottesville Circuit Court, Orlando Wendell Allen, Jr. pled guilty to the March 4, 2023 murder of Justice Kilel at the Sunshine Minimart on Cherry Avenue. He also pled guilty to use of a firearm during the commission of murder. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2024 at 9:30 AM and faces up to 43 years in prison.
In an unrelated case, La’Kori Rayquan Brooks pled guilty to the March 18, 2023 murder of Cody Smith on Minor Court Lane. He also pled guilty to use of a firearm during the commission of murder. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 8, 2024 at 9:30 AM and faces up to 43 years in prison, as well.
Charlottesville Commonwealth’s Attorney Joe Platania stated “we hope these guilty pleas bring some small measure of comfort to the families of Mr. Kilel and Mr. Smith as they grieve their losses. The Charlottesville Police Department is to be commended for their thorough and diligent investigations of both incidents. These guilty pleas came about because of their hard work and dedication.”
Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Nina-Alice Antony prosecuted both cases.
Media Contact:
Joe Platania
Commonwealth's Attorney
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3179
platania@charlottesville.gov