A Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge sentenced a Boyds man Friday to two consecutive life sentences for the execution-style murders of two men in White Oak in 2019, according to a spokesperson from the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office.
In September, a jury found Andy Panton, 23, guilty on two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of 23-year-old Jordan Radway of Laurel and 24-year-old Christian Roberts of Silver Spring. Panton was also found guilty of several other charges including robbery with a dangerous weapon and use of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, the spokesperson said.
On Jan. 28, 2019, Montgomery County Police responded to the 11600 block of Stewart Lane in Silver Spring following a report of a vehicle collision. Upon arrival, officers found that a black 1994 Honda Accord had collided with several parked vehicles. Inside the car, they discovered the two deceased men— Radway and Roberts.
An examination conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that both deaths were caused by multiple gunshot wounds.
Radway was involved in the sale of marijuana, according to officials. Text messages and phone call records between Radway and a man named Noah Barnett revealed that Barnett was attempting to set up the sale of a quarter pound of marijuana for $600 between Radway and Barnett’s acquaintance, Dontaye Hunt.
Investigators say Radway and Hunt agreed to meet at a location on Castle Boulevard at 6:08 p.m. Cell phone records indicate Hunt was in that area between 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.
After an unsuccessful drug deal, Radway and Hunt exchanged text messages at approximately 8 p.m. coordinating to meet at 11530 Stewart Lane — one block away from where the victims were found dead inside the black Honda.
Following his arrest, Hunt told investigators that he set up the drug deal with Radway. Hunt also stated that he and another individual were armed with .22 caliber handguns but that his gun was not working. He said his co-conspirator, who he did not identify, shot the two victims and led officers to review Metro bus surveillance video.
Police identified Hunt’s accomplice as Andy Panton. Hunt told police they intended to rob the victims but never to shoot them.
Barnett— the man who initially had contacted Radway for the drug deal— told police that Panton stated he had shot both victims.
Additional police investigations found that the gunshot wounds that killed Radway and Roberts were inflicted by a .22 caliber firearm.
Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy said at a press conference on Friday that he wished this was the first time he spoke to the people of Montgomery County regarding violence that is associated with marijuana. “But it is my 12th time.”
The families of both victims plan to continue honoring their sons through charitable foundations. According to the Roberts family their loved one had a heart for serving. Prior to his passing, they say Roberts organized shoe drives for the homeless, delivered clothing to those in need, and assembled and delivered food baskets for the hungry. To donate to the Christian Roberts Foundation click here.
Similarly, Jordan’s Way is a nonprofit organization that aims to fight gun violence among youth in the D.C. metropolitan area. “The goal of the organization is to foster a commitment to the community and educate the public about the impact of gun violence. Partnerships will be formed with area schools and youth programs to promote confidence, self-worth, and community stewardship. Jordan’s Way feels that through these three pillars, the youth will be empowered with qualities to progress in life,” according to the nonprofits website. The organization also gives scholarships to graduating seniors attending the following schools in Montgomery County: James Hubert Blake HS, Paint Branch HS, and Springbrook HS. To donate to Jordan’s Way you can click here.
