Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Eastern District of Missouri
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 19, 2021
ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Henry E. Autrey sentenced Lashawn Clayburn, 19, of St. Louis, Missouri, to a 25-year term of imprisonment on today’s date. Clayburn pleaded guilty in May to murder and carjacking charges.
On January 5, 2019, Clayburn murdered Naomi Miller as she was about to get into her vehicle that was parked in her driveway outside her residence in Pine Lawn, Missouri. Ms. Miller was intending to go to work as an overnight home healthcare nurse when Clayburn approached her and shot her to death. Clayburn then stole Ms. Miller’s car and went on a joy-riding stint for several hours. During this time, Clayburn picked up two friends and stopped by Steak ‘n Shake for a burger and a milkshake.
The following day, Clayburn met up with a group of friends, who claimed to be members of the “Murdaa Gang,” and traded Ms. Miller’s carjacked vehicle for another stolen vehicle. As a result of a series of leads, Clayburn was interviewed by federal agents. Subsequent to the interview, Clayburn attempted to enlist his cousin to provide a phony alibi on Clayburn’s behalf for the night of the murder and carjacking. As a result of a continuing investigation, Clayburn was indicted by a federal grand jury for the above murder and carjacking, which resulted in Clayburn’s plea of guilty and today’s sentencing.
This case was investigated by ATF, the North County Police Cooperative, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the Major Case Squad. Assistant United States Attorney Angie E. Danis is prosecuting this case for the United States of America.
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Topic(s):
Violent Crime
Component(s):
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Criminal - Organized Crime and Gang Section
USAO - Missouri, Eastern
