One defendant given probation in killing

Erica D. Johnson

Tuesday, March 18, 2003 | 9:46 a.m.

One of six men charged in the drive-by shooting that left a North Las Vegas mother of six dead was placed on probation Monday.

Alleged gang member Anthony Hampton, 19, pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to commit murder in the May 2001 shooting death of Gwendolyn Jones, 35.

Four others were injured in the shooting, including an 8-year-old girl.

Jones was attending a wake for her sister, who had died of cancer, when the shooting occurred.

Yurlanda Feltus, Jones' aunt and the mother of the girl, who is now 9, was scheduled to speak during the sentencing but did not show up for court, Kane said.

Hampton entered an Alford plea, which means he acknowledged the state had enough evidence to convict him at trial. Prosecutors weren't certain of Hampton's role in the shooting, but do not think he was the triggerman.

Hampton, who was free on a $35,000 bond, asked District Judge Sally Loehrer to show him mercy.

"I feel embarrassed for even getting myself into this situation," he said. "I'm a civilized person and I feel I can make it in society. I'm not a menace."

As a result of his plea, prosecutors dropped multiple felony counts against him, which included murder with use of a deadly weapon and attempted murder with use of a deadly weapon.

Loehrer sentenced Hampton to 30 months to 7 years in prison, but suspended the sentence and placed him on probation for five years.

Hampton and his co-defendants must pay $16,500 in restitution to the victims. He was ordered to begin making monthly payments of $100 in June.

The next few months are expected to bring an end to nearly two years of negotiations with several defendants in the case.

Perry Macklin Jr., 22, is scheduled to be sentenced March 31 after making a similar plea as Hampton.

Joey Clark, 23, the man prosecutors claim was the shooter, is scheduled to stand trial March 24, along with Corey Johnson, 25. The men face life sentences if convicted, Chief Deputy District Attorney Ed Kane said.