A Norfolk man, L.C. Grant III, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder of two men in 2020. Grant was convicted in a jury trial for the murder of 31-year-old Donta Antonio Jackson and pleaded guilty to the murder of 50-year-old Michael Dewayne Mizzell. The incidents occurred in October and November of 2020.
On Oct. 27, 2020, Grant and Jackson were together in a car before parking outside a restaurant to engage in sexual activity. Grant stabbed Jackson nine times, leading to a fatal 4-inch wound to the chest. Jackson managed to inform a nearby business that he had been stabbed before succumbing to his injuries. Grant’s DNA was found on Jackson’s body as a result of their sexual encounter.
After the murder, Grant visited his girlfriend in Richmond, during which he acted oddly, had unexplained cuts, and was sleeping in an unfamiliar car. This behavior led to his girlfriend breaking up with him. Meanwhile, around the same time, another man named Michael Dewayne Mizzell was reported missing in Norfolk. Police later found Mizzell dead in his apartment, wrapped in linens in a closet, with more than two dozen stab wounds to the torso, neck, and head. Grant, who had lived with Mizzell and acted as a caretaker, was linked to the crime.
Grant’s DNA was found at Mizzell’s apartment, and he was also discovered to have used Mizzell’s EBT card after the murder. Following a jury trial in which Grant was found guilty of Jackson’s murder and carjacking, he was sentenced to 40 years in prison on March 8. Grant later pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of Mizzell and received an additional 40-year sentence, to be served concurrently with his earlier sentencing. The sentencing for both murders took place in March 2021.
The case serves as a reminder of the tragic events that unfolded in Norfolk in 2020, resulting in the loss of two lives due to Grant’s violent actions. Grant’s sentencing reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed and aims to bring justice to the victims and their families. Updates on the case may be available through local news sources like WAVY.com for those interested in following the legal proceedings and outcomes related to these murders.
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13 Comments
Can we discuss how mental health services failed to prevent this tragedy?
This is a tragic incident that highlights the importance of mental health awareness.
Can we discuss the societal factors leading to such tragic incidents?
Lets not deflect blame onto society. Individuals are responsible for their actions. Personal accountability should be the focus, not societal factors. We cant excuse harmful behavior by blaming society. Dont shift responsibility away from where it truly lies.
Why is the focus always on the killers backstory and not the victims?
Is the media handling this case responsibly? Sensationalism or necessary coverage?
What drove him to such a heinous act? Mental health, jealousy, or something else?
Maybe its just pure evil. Some people are capable of terrible things without needing a reason. We may never fully understand what drives someone to commit such a heinous act. Its a dark and scary reality we live in.
This is a tragic event, but why is the focus on their sexual relationship?
Is society failing to address underlying issues leading to such tragedies?
Can we discuss mental health support for marginalized communities after such tragedies?
Lets not deflect from the real issue here. Tragedies affect all communities, not just marginalized ones. Mental health support should be universal, not exclusive. Lets focus on healing together, rather than creating divisions.
This tragic incident raises questions about mental health support in communities.