Chicago Man Sentenced to 14.5 Years for Violent Beverly Carjacking

Damarri Conner pleaded guilty to federal carjacking and firearm offenses for a 2023 incident that left victims traumatized.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:37am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a car key fob against a pitch-black background, capturing the stark, gritty details of the object to conceptually represent the trauma of a carjacking incident.A recent spate of violent carjackings in Chicago has left victims traumatized and authorities searching for solutions.Chicago Today

A 23-year-old Chicago man was sentenced to 14.5 years in federal prison for his role in a violent armed carjacking in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago in 2023. Damarri Conner pleaded guilty to carjacking and firearm charges earlier this year, while his alleged accomplice, Kenneth Merritt, also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

Why it matters

Carjackings have become an alarming trend in Chicago, leaving victims traumatized and raising concerns about public safety. This case highlights the severity of such crimes and the need for strong law enforcement response.

The details

On November 2, 2023, Conner and Merritt approached a 46-year-old woman and her 12-year-old daughter as they were exiting their Audi sedan in their Beverly backyard. Conner allegedly punched the woman in the face, causing her to fall to the ground, and pointed a loaded gun at her. The woman's husband came out to intervene, and the pair robbed him at gunpoint before fleeing in the family's Audi. Conner later returned and stole the family's Range Rover as well.

  • On November 2, 2023, the armed carjacking incident occurred.
  • On November 14, 2023, Conner returned and stole the family's Range Rover.
  • In early 2024, Conner and Merritt pleaded guilty to the charges.
  • On April 8, 2026, Conner was sentenced to 14.5 years in federal prison.
  • On June 9, 2026, Merritt is scheduled to be sentenced.

The players

Damarri Conner

A 23-year-old Chicago resident who pleaded guilty to federal carjacking and firearm offenses for his role in the 2023 incident.

Kenneth Merritt

A 29-year-old Chicago resident who also pleaded guilty to carjacking and firearm offenses for his alleged involvement in the 2023 incident.

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What they’re saying

“Carjackings are among the most personal and terrifying crimes committed in this District. This crime was heinous and violent. The trauma he inflicted on his victims will take years to repair.”

— Elie Zenner, Assistant U.S. Attorney

What’s next

Judge Harjani is scheduled to sentence Kenneth Merritt on June 9, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. at the Dirksen Federal Building in downtown Chicago.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of carjackings in Chicago and the need for strong law enforcement action to address this issue and protect victims from the lasting trauma of such violent crimes.