Introduction to the Alleged Gang-Related Crimes
A federal grand jury has indicted six alleged members of the Faceworld faction of the Gangster Disciples, accusing them of being connected to 13 homicides and other violent crimes across the city, according to court documents.
The Indicted Individuals
Diontae Harper, 28; Tyrone Foy, 31; Tyjuan Tapplar, 25; Robert Lee Thomas, 22; Davion Harris, 28; and Deavean McClure, 26 are charged with racketeering conspiracy, according to federal prosecutors. Harper, Foy, and Tapplar also face charges of murder in the aid of racketeering.
Alleged Crimes and Violent Feuds
The group engaged in “longstanding and violent feuds” with other gangs, including Wuga World and 900, according to the Dec. 15 indictment. That’s in addition to accusations of murder, attempted murder, assault, carjacking and distribution of marijuana, cocaine and heroin, among other alleged crimes.
Specific Incidents and Targets
“Over the course of these conflicts, Faceworld enterprise members and associates committed acts of violence against their rivals inside rival territory and in areas where rivals were believed to be located,” the indictment reads. Its members have been the targets of federal indictments, as two members saw similar charges brought in 2023 following a shooting outside a South Side funeral home that injured 15 during services for Donnie Weathersby, who prosecutors also allege was killed by Faceworld members. Harper and another member who has since died were accused of pulling the trigger at the funeral.
List of Alleged Victims
Among the alleged crimes committed by the group are the fatal shootings of Antwon Fields in March 2019; teens Brittani Rice and Senobia Brantley in April 2019; anti-violence volunteers Chantell Grant and Andrea Stoudemire; Calvin Seay in August 2019; Dantrel Johnson in October 2020; Harold Green, who Thomas believed had shot him as Thomas attempted to rob him months earlier; along with several others, according to the indictment. Prosecutors allege many of those killed were shot at by the members in stolen vehicles.
Other Alleged Crimes
The members are also accused of intimidating witnesses to their crimes, which included committing armed robberies, sexual assault, armed carjacking and shooting at a CTA bus, leaving several injured.
Potential Consequences
Those charged could face up to 20 years in prison, though the three facing murder counts could face the death penalty, federal prosecutors said.
Conclusion
The indictment of the six alleged gang members marks a significant development in the effort to combat gang-related violence in the city. The charges highlight the violent nature of the conflicts between rival gangs and the devastating impact on the community. As the case progresses, it is likely to shed more light on the inner workings of the Faceworld faction and the extent of their alleged crimes.
FAQs
Q: How many individuals were indicted in connection with the Faceworld faction of the Gangster Disciples?
A: Six individuals were indicted: Diontae Harper, Tyrone Foy, Tyjuan Tapplar, Robert Lee Thomas, Davion Harris, and Deavean McClure.
Q: What are the charges faced by the indicted individuals?
A: The individuals face charges of racketeering conspiracy, and some also face charges of murder in the aid of racketeering.
Q: How many homicides are the indicted individuals alleged to be connected to?
A: The individuals are alleged to be connected to 13 homicides.
Q: What is the potential penalty for those charged?
A: Those charged could face up to 20 years in prison, and the three facing murder counts could face the death penalty.
