Odenton Man's Killer Sentenced To Life In Prison

ODENTON, MD — A Baltimore man has been sentenced to life in prison for gunning down an Odenton man during a robbery and attack. Antonio Eugene Diggs, 30, from the 3700 block of Saint Victor Street in Baltimore, was convicted in October of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and related charges by an Anne Arundel County Circuit Court jury. Diggs was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Michele D. Jaklitsch to life in prison as well as an additional five years without the possibility of parole.

Nathan Antoine Ford, 24, from the 2200 block of Conquest Way in Odenton died from gunshot wounds after he was shot on Jan. 13, 2017. Authorities say he was shot by Diggs in a random act of violence. Ford walked from the New Starr Inn in Odenton toward his home on the 2200 block of Conquest Way when he was approached by Diggs, who was armed with a large caliber revolver. Prosecutors say Diggs demanded that Ford give him his cell phone, then fired four shots, striking Ford once in the side of the head and once in the left thigh.

The victim ran from Diggs and made it to the side yard of his home before collapsing on the ground, where he died from his wounds, police say.

"Antonio Diggs has repeatedly shown that he cares more for the contents of a wallet than the life of another human being," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Wes Adams in a statement. "Shortly after robbing and murdering Mr. Ford, Mr. Diggs victimized yet another member of our community. Judge Jaklitsch's strong sentence reflects the justice that our community needs to feel safe and sends the clear, undeniable message that those who would harm our citizens will be dealt with harshly."

Police learned that about 40 minutes after killing Ford, Diggs robbed a woman at gunpoint in the parking lot of a supermarket. He pleaded guilty to this armed robbery on Sept. 19.

Photo of homicide suspect Antonio Eugene Diggs, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police