ERIE, Pa. – Erie police have finally concluded the years-long investigation of a series of drug-related robberies that resulted in the deaths of two individuals in the summer of 2018. The victims, Calvin Isaiah, 24, and Phillip Anthony Clark, 44, were shot and killed during the violent robberies for drugs and money. The three defendants, Raeshawn D. McCallum, 24, Destin A. Dortch, 22, and Christopher J. Bridges, 22, were convicted in November and received harsh sentences for their role in the brutal crimes.
McCallum faced a mandatory term of life with no parole, while Dortch and Bridges ended up receiving sentences equivalent to life or near-life imprisonment. McCallum was sentenced to life with no parole plus up to 88½ years, Dortch received a 77 to 154-year sentence, and Bridges was sentenced to 45½ to 91 years. Despite being minors at the time of the crimes, they were tried as adults and received lengthy sentences.
The crimes, described by the presiding judge as “horrible offenses,” involved the fatal shootings and robberies of two drug dealers and a home-invasion. The prolonged investigation led to a two-week trial and the eventual conviction of the defendants on multiple charges of murder and robbery. The offenses shocked the Erie community and led to a complicated and extensive criminal trial.
During the sentencing hearing, McCallum and Dortch displayed smirks, and Judge David Ridge expressed his dismay at their lack of remorse. Meanwhile, Bridges, who was convicted of fewer charges, addressed the victims’ families in court, expressing his condolences and disagreement with the prosecution’s portrayal of him.
The lengthy sentences for the defendants were supported by Chief Erie County Deputy District Attorney Jeremy Lightner, who emphasized that the crimes were a “gang-style graduation” meant to instill fear in the streets of Erie. He pointed out the calculated and cold nature of the crimes, and the defendants’ active involvement in the deadly string of offenses.
The victims’ families also advocated for stringent sentences, emphasizing the irreplaceable loss and devastation caused by the defendants’ actions. Erie County Councilman Andre Horton and others shared the profound impact of their loved ones’ deaths and sought accountability for the defendants’ actions.
The defense lawyers, however, argued for concurrent sentences due to the defendants’ association with two codefendants who cooperated with the prosecution. The cooperating codefendants provided critical information that enabled the police to build a case against McCallum, Dortch, and Bridges.
Lightner maintained that the defendants’ actions were premeditated and executed with a level of coldness and danger rarely seen. He underlined the severity of the crimes and the defendants’ reprehensible behavior, confirming their classification as “the top two or three dangerous people we have ever seen.”
The conclusion of this case marks a significant milestone for the Erie community, as the sentences serve as a form of justice for the victims and their families. The eradication of these dangerous individuals from the streets will hopefully provide a sense of safety and closure for the community impacted by these heinous crimes.