Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that two men have pleaded guilty for their roles in the shooting death and robbery of a Long Beach man who had just received a settlement check of $55,000.
Eric Baldwin, 27, pleaded guilty Tuesday before Judge Terence Murphy to charges of Murder in the Second Degree (an A-I felony); two counts of Robbery in the First Degree (a B violent felony); Robbery in the Second Degree (a C violent felony); and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (a C violent felony). Corey Grier, 29, pleaded guilty last Thursday to Robbery in the First Degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.
Baldwin faces up to 25 years to life in prison on the murder charge. NCDA has recommended 23 years to life in prison.
Baldwin is due back for sentencing on November 13, 2023.
Grier is scheduled to be sentenced to 20 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision on October 5, 2023.
“James Diamond had more than $50,000 in cash on him when these defendants lured him to Freeport, where he was robbed and shot once in the abdomen,” DA Donnelly said. “Diamond was a talented tradesman and aspiring musician who had his entire life in front of him. We extend our condolences to the Diamond family and his many friends in Long Beach and beyond.”
According to the indictment, on September 10, 2021, the deceased, James Diamond, 28, and a friend, drove to a law firm in Long Beach to pick up a check for $55,000.00, that Diamond was awarded as part of a lawsuit.
After receiving the check, the pair picked up Corey Grier and drove to a check cashing business. Grier then directed them in their vehicle to South Bay Avenue in Freeport and Diamond and his friend left to attempt to deposit the cash at a nearby bank.
Grier allegedly called Eric Baldwin and Todd Brant to meet him at South Bay Avenue. Baldwin, Brant, and Akeem Chambers drove to South Bay Avenue to meet up with Grier.
When Diamond and his friend returned to the location, Baldwin and Akeem Chambers allegedly took Diamond and his friend out of their vehicle at gunpoint. A struggle ensued, and Diamond was shot once in the chest by Baldwin. Baldwin took Diamond’s bag filled with cash and fled. Diamond was later pronounced deceased at South Nassau Communities Hospital.
Co-defendants Akeem Chambers and Todd Brant are being prosecuted federally for this murder and other violent crimes.
Baldwin was arrested by NCPD Homicide detectives in East Meadow on November 3, 2021. Grier was arrested by NCPD Homicide detectives in Bayshore on November 3, 2021.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Veronica Guariglia of the Homicide Bureau. Baldwin is represented by Richard Langone, Esq. Grier is represented by Justin Feinman, Esq.
The charges against the remaining defendants are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
