MINEOLA, N.Y. – Two men from Freeport have been sentenced for their involvement in the shooting death and robbery of James Diamond, a Long Beach resident. Eric Baldwin, 27, and Corey Grier, 29, faced charges in connection to the incident that occurred over a $55,000 settlement check.
Baldwin pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree and multiple robbery and weapon charges, receiving a 23-year to life sentence from Judge Terence Murphy.
Grier, who pleaded guilty to Robbery in the First Degree and weapon charges, was sentenced to 20 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision on October 5.
The case unfolded on September 10, 2021, when Diamond and a friend collected a $55,000 lawsuit settlement check in Long Beach. After attempting to deposit the money, Diamond and his friend were ambushed by Baldwin, Grier, and associates.
During a struggle, Baldwin fatally shot Diamond and fled with the cash. Diamond was later pronounced dead at South Nassau Communities Hospital.