Federal prosecutors have secured a life sentence for Gregory Hamilton, a member of the violent Highs street gang, for his role in a RICO conspiracy and the murder of innocent bystander Darryl Wells Jr. This conviction marks a decisive victory in dismantling one of Minneapolis’s most violent criminal enterprises, with 38 of approximately 40 indicted Highs members now convicted under racketeering statutes. The gang, which controlled open-air fentanyl markets through systematic violence and intimidation, has been effectively eliminated, leading to a measurable decline in local violent crime rates.
Story Highlights
- Gregory Hamilton receives life sentence for RICO conspiracy and murder of innocent bystander Darryl Wells Jr.
- Federal prosecution dismantles entire Highs gang with 38 of 40 members convicted under RICO statutes
- Gang controlled open-air fentanyl markets near Broadway and Lyndale through violence and intimidation
- Multi-agency enforcement effort leads to measurable decline in Minneapolis violent crime rates
Federal RICO Prosecution Delivers Justice
Gregory Hamilton, identified as a member of the violent Highs street gang, received a life sentence in federal court for his role in a RICO conspiracy that terrorized North Minneapolis neighborhoods for years. The conviction centered on Hamilton’s murder of Darryl Wells Jr., an innocent bystander killed during gang-related violence. This represents the culmination of one of Minneapolis’s largest federal gang prosecutions, targeting approximately 40 Highs members under racketeering statutes designed to dismantle entire criminal enterprises.
A violent Minneapolis gang member has been sentenced to life in prison in connection to the killing of an innocent bystander. https://t.co/CIRjyOcc0w
— Just.sharing.&.questions (@Justsharingask1) December 19, 2025
Highs Gang’s Reign of Terror Exposed
Federal investigators revealed the Highs gang operated as a violent criminal organization that controlled drug corners in North Minneapolis, particularly transforming the Broadway and Lyndale intersection into an open-air fentanyl market. The gang maintained territorial control through systematic violence, kidnapping, and murder, with innocent civilians frequently caught in crossfire. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson stated the gang “terrorized” Minneapolis communities and maintained control “through chaos,” denying residents the peace and safety they deserved for years.
Multi-Agency Enforcement Strategy Succeeds
The successful prosecution resulted from coordinated efforts between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, ATF, Minneapolis Police, and DEA. ATF Special Agent Travis Riddle described the investigation as a “full-court press to dismantle the Highs street gang” and hold every member accountable. This comprehensive approach allowed prosecutors to connect multiple criminal acts into a single enterprise case, enabling severe federal penalties including life sentences for gang leadership.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara linked the decline in violent crime and gun violence to targeted enforcement against high-impact offenders like the Highs members. Federal officials report that 38 of the approximately 40 indicted Highs gang members have been convicted, with Hamilton’s life sentence representing one of the harshest penalties imposed. The July 2025 trial of other Highs members was described as the final RICO trial of 2025, indicating the gang’s operational capacity has been effectively eliminated.
Community Safety and Constitutional Principles
The Highs gang prosecution demonstrates how federal RICO statutes can effectively protect law-abiding citizens from organized criminal enterprises that local authorities struggle to combat alone. This case particularly resonates with constitutional principles of equal protection and due process, as innocent bystanders like Darryl Wells Jr. were denied their fundamental right to life and safety. The successful dismantling of this criminal organization restores community confidence in the rule of law and demonstrates that violent criminals who prey on innocent Americans will face serious federal consequences under the Trump administration’s renewed focus on public safety.
Watch the report: Felon serving time for Minneapolis murder indicted on charges of another
Sources:
- Minneapolis Gang Member Sentenced to Life for Murder of Innocent Bystander and RICO Conspiracy
- Life Sentence for Highs RICO Defendant Who Murdered Innocent Bystander | United States Department of Justice
