Carjacking leads to armed robbery convictions

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Two armed men forced their way into a car at an intersection, robbed the driver, and then posted photos of stolen items on Facebook, according to a news release.

According to District Attorney Ben David, 21 year old, Leet Hamlet, and 20 year old Tyquarious Gause, entered guilty pleas in New Hanover County Superior court today. They are facing charges for the carjacking that happened in August 2015.

David said the two men forced their way into the victim’s car at the intersection of 10th and Dawson Streets, armed with a handgun and demanded that he drive them to Greenfield Street. While en route, Hamlet and Gause threatened to kill the victim and forced him to hand over his jewelry and cell phone.

After Hamlet and Gause exited the car, the victim drove to the Wilmington Police department and reported the incident.

Hamlet later posted pictures of himself on Facebook wearing a medallion that belonged to the victim. While Gause pawned one of the victim’s rings the day after the robbery at a local pawn shop. Another ring belonging to the victim was pawned two days after the incident by Gause’s brother, according to the District Attorney.

The victim positively identified both Hamlet and Gause as the suspects.

Gause pled guilty to Common Law Robbery, Second-Degree Kidnapping, and Obtaining Property by a False Pretense on Monday. Honorable Douglas Parsons sentenced him to serve between 43 and 73 months in prison.

Hamlet entered a guilty plea to Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon for his role in the carjacking and pled guilty to an additional charge of Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon for the robbery of a cab driver in October 2015, according to David. Judge Parsons ordered him to serve between 58 and 82 months in prison.