Third man sentenced in shooting

Erica D. Johnson

Tuesday, April 1, 2003 | 9:21 a.m.

Perry Macklin on Monday became the third alleged gang member sentenced to probation in connection with the drive-by shooting that killed a 35-year-old North Las Vegas woman in May 2001.

District Judge Sally Loehrer sentenced the 22-year-old Macklin to two to eight years in prison for conspiracy to commit murder, but suspended the sentence and placed him on probation for five years.

After handing down the sentence, Loehrer warned Macklin that she would not hesitate to send him to prison if he did not successfully complete the terms of his probation.

"You're on a real short leash, Mr. Macklin," she said. "You're the one who has got the keys to the prison in your pocket."

Macklin was ordered to attend an impulse counseling program and was ordered to pay his share of $16,500 in restitution to the family of his victim, Gwendolyn Jones. The minimum that Macklin would have to pay is $3,500.

The amount that he will pay depends on how many other people are convicted in connection with the shooting. Five other alleged gang members were also charged in the case.

Macklin was the last of three men who took deals in the case. His co-defendants, 23-year-old Jamon Brooks and 18-year-old Anthony Hampton, were also placed on probation earlier this month.

In exchange for the trio's pleas, Chief Deputy District Attorney Ed Kane dropped nine other charges against the men, charges ranging from murder to attempted murder and discharging of a firearm out of a vehicle to promote, further or assist a gang.

Macklin's plea was what is known as an Alford plea. It means Macklin doesn't admit guilt but recognizes the state has enough evidence to convict him if the case were to go to trial.

The two remaining defendants in the case -- 25-year-old Corey Johnson and 23-year-old Joey Clark -- are scheduled to stand trial in August.

Jones was caught in crossfire while standing in a yard during her sister's wake.