Crafton Heights man pleads guilty for his part in barbershop murder
The second defendant in a 2015 slaying of a Pittsburgh barbershop owner pleaded guilty Monday.
Javahn Griffin, 23, of Crafton Heights pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, conspiracy and robbery for the death of Lamar Eric Thomas, 44, in Thomas' Stayton Street barbershop in Marshall-Shadeland.
Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Edward Borkowski sentenced Griffin to 12 1⁄2 to 30 years in prison under a plea agreement.
According to the criminal complaint, Griffin, along with Keith Payne, 20, of the Hill District and a third man who acted as a driver went into the barbershop the evening of July 25, 2015, to buy synthetic marijuana, also known as “K2.”
The driver, who received immunity from the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office to testify against the other men, said Griffin and Payne asked him earlier that day where they could buy some K2, and the driver said he would take them to the barbershop. The driver went inside before the other two to arrange the deal, but Payne pulled a gun after he and Griffin went inside and Thomas said he didn't have anything.
The driver told police he turned to leave and heard a struggle as Griffin said, “If he moves again, shoot him in the head,” according to the complaint. There was a shot as the driver fled to his vehicle.
Police found Thomas dead from a gunshot wound to the head. They also found synthetic marijuana and cash in a back room.
Griffin turned to apologize to Thomas' family in court after entering his plea.
“I just want to say I'm sorry for what happened. I wish it never happened,” he said.
Payne, the gunman, pleaded guilty Thursday to third-degree murder, robbery, conspiracy and gun charges. Borkowski sentenced him to 20 to 40 years in prison.
Matthew Santoni is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-391-0927 or msantoni@tribweb.com.
