Freeport men admit guilt in September 2021 murder and robbery

In a significant development, Corey Grier and Eric Baldwin have confessed to their involvement in the tragic shooting death and robbery of James Diamond, a Long Beach resident who had recently cashed a $55,000 settlement check.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly made this announcement, shedding light on the details of the case.

Eric Baldwin, aged 27, entered a plea of guilt on Tuesday before Judge Terence Murphy. He admitted to several charges, including Murder in the Second Degree, two counts of Robbery in the First Degree, Robbery in the Second Degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.

Corey Grier, aged 29, had previously pleaded guilty to Robbery in the First Degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.

Baldwin potentially faces a sentence of up to 25 years to life in prison for the murder charge, with the Nassau County District Attorney’s office recommending 23 years to life. Baldwin’s sentencing is scheduled for November 13.

Grier, on the other hand, is set to receive a 20-year prison sentence along with five years of post-release supervision, with his sentencing date set for October 5.

District Attorney Donnelly expressed her condolences to the Diamond family and the broader Long Beach community.

“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,” DA Donnelly said. “Diamond was a talented tradesman and aspiring musician who had his entire life in front of him. We extend our condolences to the Diamond family and his many friends in Long Beach and beyond.”

According to the indictment, the incident occurred on September 10, 2021, when James Diamond, aged 28, and a friend had gone to a Long Beach law firm to collect a $55,000 settlement check following a lawsuit. After receiving the check, the two individuals picked up Corey Grier and drove to a check cashing establishment. Grier then directed them to South Bay Avenue in Freeport, where Diamond and his friend attempted to deposit the cash at a nearby bank.

It is alleged that Grier contacted Eric Baldwin and Todd Brant to meet them at South Bay Avenue. Baldwin, Brant, and Akeem Chambers responded to the call and arrived at the scene.

Upon Diamond and his friend’s return, Baldwin and Akeem Chambers reportedly forced them out of their vehicle at gunpoint, leading to a struggle. Tragically, Baldwin shot Diamond once in the chest before fleeing with Diamond’s bag filled with cash. Diamond was later pronounced dead at South Nassau Communities Hospital.

Co-defendants Akeem Chambers and Todd Brant are facing federal prosecution for their involvement in this murder and other violent crimes.

Eric Baldwin was apprehended by Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) Homicide detectives in East Meadow on November 3, 2021, while Corey Grier was arrested by NCPD Homicide detectives in Bayshore on the same day.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Veronica Guariglia of the Homicide Bureau. Legal representation for the defendants is being provided by Richard Langone, Esq., for Baldwin, and Justin Feinman, Esq., for Grier.

It is important to note that the charges against the remaining defendants are allegations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.