Bio

Latonia Bellamy was born on October 5, 1990. She grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Her mother is Tiffany Bellamy. Reports say she was cousins with Shiquan Bellamy.

Latonia attended Felician College in Lodi. She was a student there and was home on spring break in April 2010.

At a court hearing, Latonia Bellamy said she wanted to get an education and become a social worker. She said she hoped to counsel troubled youths.

Murder Story

Latonia Bellamy was born on October 5, 1990. She is classified as a murderer. Her case is described as a "thrill killing" tied to robbery. The victims were Nia Haqq, 25, and Michael Muchioki, 27. The deaths took place on April 4, 2010 in Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey. The method listed in reports is shooting.

She was arrested five days after the deaths, on April 9, 2010. Two others were arrested with her. One was her cousin, Shiquan Bellamy. The other was Darmelia Lawrence.

Latonia Bellamy was tried first among the three defendants. In June 2012 a jury found her guilty. The convictions included murder of Nia Haqq, felony murder of Michael Muchioki, robbery, carjacking, and several weapons offenses. The jury deliberated less than a full day.

At trial Bellamy testified in her own defense. She said she had fired a gun at the scene but said it was not aimed at the victims. She also testified that she went along because she was afraid. Her statements to police before trial differed at times from her testimony. During testimony she said, "I was lying then," in reference to earlier statements.

Darmelia Lawrence later pleaded guilty to four counts of armed robbery and agreed to testify against others. Shiquan Bellamy awaited separate trial on multiple murder counts.

On February 8, 2013 a judge sentenced Latonia Bellamy to life in prison plus 30 years. She must serve 93 years before becoming eligible for parole. Reports note she will be eligible for parole in the year 2106.