Chicago Man Sentenced to Over 14 Years for Brazen Family Carjacking

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A 23-year-old Chicago man named Damarri Conner has been sentenced to 14.5 years in federal prison for an armed carjacking of a family in the city's Beverly neighborhood in 2023. Conner and an accomplice, Kenneth Merritt, assaulted the family, stole their Audi, and later returned to steal their Range Rover as well. Conner pleaded guilty to the federal charges earlier this year.

Why it matters

Carjackings have been on the rise in Chicago in recent years, with the city seeing a significant increase in these violent crimes. This case highlights the serious consequences for perpetrators and the trauma inflicted on victims, raising ongoing concerns about public safety and the need for stronger deterrents.

The details

According to prosecutors, on November 2, 2023, Conner and Merritt attacked a woman and her daughter who had just returned home in another vehicle in the Beverly neighborhood. Conner punched the woman in the face, causing her to fall, and then pointed a loaded gun at her and her husband. The two men then stole the family's Audi. Conner later returned on November 14 and stole the family's Range Rover as well. Police were able to track down Conner and arrest him hiding in a closet.

• The armed carjacking occurred on November 2, 2023.
• Conner returned and stole the family's Range Rover on November 14, 2023.
• Conner pleaded guilty to the federal charges earlier this year.
• Conner was sentenced to 14.5 years in federal prison on April 11, 2026.

What’s next

The judge in Kenneth Merritt's case will decide on his sentencing on June 9, 2026.