An Antelope Valley resident, Leandrew Raglin, 22, of Lancaster, was convicted by a jury for his role in the fatal shooting of a victim during a marijuana transaction in Inglewood in 2021. The verdict was delivered after an eight-day trial at which evidence showed that Raglin and two co-defendants conspired to rob a marijuana dealer.
Raglin was found guilty of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), Hobbs Act robbery, possessing and using a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death, and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence constituting murder.
According to the case presented by prosecutors, Raglin collaborated with Mateo Paul, 23, of Long Beach, and Iysis Elanore Smith, 22, of Inglewood. The group used a social media application to lure the dealer to an agreed location where they planned an armed ambush. On March 15, 2021, Smith approached the victim’s vehicle as part of the plan. While Smith distracted the victim from outside the car, Paul and Raglin parked behind them. Raglin then exited their vehicle and fired multiple shots into both sides of the victim’s car—first wounding someone in the passenger seat before fatally shooting the driver.
United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha set sentencing for Raglin on March 13, 2026. He has been held in federal custody since October 2023 and faces between ten years and life imprisonment.
Paul pleaded guilty earlier this year to interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act) as well as brandishing and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. He has been detained since November 2023; his sentencing is scheduled for September 26. Smith also entered a guilty plea on felony robbery charges related to this incident.
Both Paul and Smith could receive up to life sentences under federal law.
The FBI worked jointly with the Inglewood Police Department on this investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Norell from the Major Crimes Section and Gregg Marmaro from Major Frauds are handling prosecution duties for this case.
