Commonwealth's Attorney

Essonie Lennon was sentenced today on the three-year anniversary of Michael Neblett’s death.  Lennon was convicted of shooting and killing Neblett during a robbery on December 23, 2021. Lennon was tried in the Newport News Circuit Court and convicted on all charges by a jury of his peers in July of this year.

Today, Judge Maxfield sentenced Lennon to life in prison for 1^st degree murder; 20 years incarceration for attempted robbery; 9 years on three counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony; 20 years for shooting into an occupied vehicle; 1 year for possession of a firearm by a minor; 10 years on two counts of kidnapping; and 2 years on two counts of shooting during the commission of a felony. 

The Commonwealth highlighted the defendant’s lengthy criminal history and the Lennon’s failure to take advantage of the rehabilitative aspects of the juvenile justice system. Prosecutors noted Lennon’s significant criminal record prior to this murder, with 26 separate run-ins with the law since he was 11 years old, arguing that Lennon has shown blatant disregard for the law, his community, and for Michael Neblett and his family.

“My office will diligently pursue justice for every crime victim in Newport News, no matter how long it takes. Those who are willing to commit murder, unjustifiably ending someone’s life, must face punishment that is commensurate with that crime, and that protects our neighborhoods from further violence,” said Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney Howard Gwynn. “My prayers go out to Michael Neblett’s family and friends, as we know nothing can bring Michael back to them.”

Multiple members of Neblett’s family testified at the hearing, as well as many of his friends and members of the local skateboarding community. They highlighted that Michael was a talented skater who cared deeply for his family and friends and who cherished his role as a mentor to at-risk youth in the community.

Neblett’s sister testified that her brother was “the dreamer of the family,” even as he was the youngest. “He was a son, brother, uncle and friend, and we found later that he would have been a father as well.” Michael’s brother said Michael was “talented, vibrant … and a bright joy to everyone around him. He had a big heart and shared it with friends and family,” he said.

This case was prosecuted on behalf of the Commonwealth’s Attorney by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jamie Lawson and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Rebecca Thompson.