2 get life sentences in federal witness killing

A federal judge has sentenced two men to several life sentences for killing a federal witness and others.

Thirty-four-year-old Melvin Gilbert of Baltimore was sentenced Wednesday to five consecutive life terms plus 40 years. Thirty-six-year-old James Dinkins was sentenced to four consecutive life terms plus 40 years.

The two were convicted June 11 of the 2006 murder of John Dowery, the witness.

Gilbert and Dinkins were also convicted in the murder of Shannon Jemmison. Dinkins was also convicted of the murder of Michael Bryant, and Dowery’s injury in a shooting in 2005.

Prosecutors say they committed the murders to protect their Baltimore drug gang, known as “Special,” and to retaliate against and intimidate potential witnesses.