2 Plead Guilty To Murder, Robbery Of Long Beach Man: Prosecutors

MINEOLA, NY — Two men have pleaded guilty in connection to a fatal shooting and robbery of a Long Beach man in 2021, prosecutors announced.

Eric Baldwin, 27, and Corey Grier, 29, both of Freeport, pleaded guilty on Aug. 31.

"James Diamond had more than $50,000 in cash on him when these defendants lured him to Freeport, where he was robbed and shot once in the abdomen," Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly said. "Diamond was a talented tradesman and aspiring musician who had his entire life in front of him."

Baldwin faces charges that include second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree robbery and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. He faces up to 25 years to life in prison on the murder charge.

Grier pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Baldwin is due to be sentenced on Nov. 13. Grier's sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 5.

According to the indictment, on September 10, 2021, the victim, James Diamond, 28, and a friend, drove to a law firm in Long Beach to pick up a check for $55,000.00, that Diamond was awarded as part of a lawsuit.

After receiving the check, the pair picked up Grier and drove to a check-cashing business. Grier then directed them in their vehicle to South Bay Avenue in Freeport and Diamond and his friend left to attempt to deposit the cash at a nearby bank.

Grier allegedly called Baldwin and Todd Brant to meet him at South Bay Avenue. Baldwin, Brant, and Akeem Chambers drove to South Bay Avenue to meet up with Grier, Donnelly said.

When Diamond and his friend returned to the location, Baldwin and Akeem Chambers allegedly took Diamond and his friend out of their vehicle at gunpoint. A struggle ensued, and Diamond was shot once in the chest by Baldwin. Baldwin took Diamond’s bag filled with cash and fled.

Co-defendants Chambers and Brant are being prosecuted federally for this murder and other violent crimes.