ST. LOUIS • Police trying to solve a carjacking got a spectacular break almost two years ago when the Nissan Altima stolen from the victims hit a parked car and sent fiery wreckage into the side of a downtown Hooters restaurant.
The case was resolved much more quietly Friday when men identified as the driver, Raymon N. Denzmore, and passenger, Alon L. Monigan, both of East St. Louis, were convicted on a host of charges that included kidnapping and armed robbery.
According to prosecutors, Denzmore had climbed into the back seat of the Altima and pulled a gun as two women, employees of a restaurant, were getting into the car in a lot at 1901 Washington Avenue on Jan. 15, 2011. Officials said Monigan waited in another car. The women told police they initially thought it was a joking co-worker. The victims were dropped off at a housing complex in the 1100 block of Vinson Street.
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The Hooters crash occurred five days later. Nobody was hurt.
Prosecutors said Monigan also was identified as the gunman who had confronted a woman about 8:45 p.m. Jan. 16, 2011, in the 1700 block of Hickory Street as she came home from work. That man ordered her to get into her car and drive. She screamed and her boyfriend rushed out and fought with the man, who then fled.
St. Louis Circuit Court jury returned verdicts in both crimes just before 5 p.m. Friday. Sentencing for each defendant will be Jan. 4.
Defense attorneys for Denzmore, 19, and Monigan, 20, criticized the investigation, suggesting that witness identifications were flawed. They said it made no sense for their clients to still be using a car they stole five days earlier. Relatives of Monigan testified he had been with them both nights.
