Man Gets 2 1/4 years for crimes

By Linda Cicoira

An Onancock area man was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison Thursday in Accomack Circuit Court, with all but two years and three months suspended for violent 2023 crimes.

Thirty-four-year-old Deshawn Markiese Drummond, of Dogwood Drive, near Onley, previously admitted to the unlawful wounding of his best friend, 37-year-old Brandon Buckner, maliciously shooting at a vehicle occupied by Buckner and being a felon in possession of ammunition.

Just before sentencing, Drummond said he was trying to protect himself during the incident. He said he wanted to get out of jail, further his education, and get a job.

“He didn’t go out looking for trouble,” said defense lawyer Kenneth Singleton. “The entire incident was on the property of my client … He wants to move on with his life.”

Around 11 p.m., June 6, 2023, Buckner arrived unannounced at Drummond’s home. According to evidence, the two men got into a verbal altercation, and a fight ensued. Drummond had gotten close to Buckner when arguing. Buckner shoved him. Drummond bit his ear and struck him in the head with a pistol and shot at him. As Buckner was trying to leave, Drummond shot at him some more. Police later found ammo in a tent in Drummond’s backyard.

Drummond was one of several men charged in a 2017 murder-for-hire scheme that involved a police informant. In that case, he was given a 10-year suspended term for conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice. Because of the conviction, it is illegal for him to possess a gun or ammunition.