February 22, 2024, News Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Today in Charlottesville Circuit Court, Orlando Wendell Allen, Jr. pled guilty to the March 4, 2023, murder of Justice Kilel at the Sunshine Minimart on Cherry Avenue. He also pled guilty to use of a firearm during the commission of murder. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2024, at 9:30 AM and faces up to 43 years in prison.
In an unrelated case, La’Kori Rayquan Brooks pled guilty to the March 18, 2023, murder of Cody Smith on Minor Court Lane. He also pled guilty to use of a firearm during the commission of murder. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 8, 2024, at 9:30 AM and faces up to 43 years in prison, as well.
Charlottesville Commonwealth’s Attorney Joe Platania stated “we hope these guilty pleas bring some small measure of comfort to the families of Mr. Kilel and Mr. Smith as they grieve their losses. The Charlottesville Police Department is to be commended for their thorough and diligent investigations of both incidents. These guilty pleas came about because of their hard work and dedication.”
He also joined the WINA Morning News on Thursday, February 22.
Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Nina-Alice Antony prosecuted both cases.
