Woman Gets Prison Time For Role In Jersey City Shootings, Robberies

NEWARK, NJ — An Essex County woman was sentenced to 12 years in prison for her role in a one-night series of shootings and robberies in Jersey City, the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey announced.

Siobhan Chandler, 21, of Newark, previously pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, conspiracy to use and carry a firearm and other counts in connection with the Nov. 14, 2021, crime spree.

In addition to prison, Chandler was also sentenced to five years of supervised release, prosecutors said.

According to court documents, Chandler and co-defendant Rodney Williams committed four robberies and two shootings within approximately 70 minutes on the night of the spree.

Shortly after 8 p.m., the pair entered a store, where Williams pointed a gun at the clerk, demanded money, and threatened to kill them. The clerk complied, and the pair fled the store.

About 35 minutes later, Chandler and Williams approached a gas station, where Chandler attempted to enter the attendant booth. Williams pointed his gun at an employee and demanded money, prosecutors said. When the employee refused to comply, prosecutors said Williams shot the attendant in the chest and stated, "Do you think I am f------ playing with you? Give me the money!"

Approximately 15 minutes later, Williams and Chandler entered another store where Williams again pointed his gun at a clerk and demanded money. The clerk gave Williams cash before he and Chandler fled, prosecutors said.

Finally, the pair went to a restaurant where they approached an employee at the cash register and demanded money. When the employee didn't immediately respond to his demand, Williams attempted to shoot them, but the gun misfired and struck the employee in the chest, prosecutors said.

According to court documents, Williams then forcibly entered the restaurant kitchen and demanded money from employees. Meanwhile, Chandler remained at the door where she barred a patron from entering the restaurant.

The pair eventually fled the restaurant and was arrested by Jersey City police after Williams drove his vehicle into oncoming traffic and struck a patrol car.

Williams also faces several charges in connection with the spree but has not been convicted. If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison for each charge.