Candice Johnston, also known as ‘Queen,’ was arrested and charged on July 27 with racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, murder through the use of a firearm, and conspiring to traffic firearms. The charges stem from her alleged leadership of the Red Life Militia gang, a set within the nationwide Bloods gang. Johnston was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker in Manhattan federal court, and the case is assigned to U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan.
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton said, “As alleged, Candice Johnston, known as ‘Queen,’ was a leader of a violent set of the Bloods gang calling themselves the Red Life Militia. During Johnston’s reign, on May 31, 2017, she ordered the brutal robbery and murder of Noel Farrow in the Bronx. The people of the Bronx did not ask for, want, or deserve a destructive, self-proclaimed ‘militia,’ led by criminals in their neighborhood. New Yorkers deserve to live safely in their neighborhoods, free from the influence of gangs like that which Johnston led and glorified. The women and men of this Office will continue to relentlessly pursue and dismantle violent street gangs that jeopardize the safety of our communities.”
HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas said, “As alleged, Candice Johnston led a violent Bloods set built on murder, armed robbery, gun and narcotics trafficking, promotion of prostitution, and other serious crimes. By allegedly directing the robbery and murder of a former drug supplier and receiving illegal firearms trafficked from North Carolina to the Bronx she stands accused of introducing lethal firepower and bloodshed into a Bronx neighborhood. Together with our law enforcement partners HSI will do everything in our power to keep New Yorkers safe.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said, “Candice Johnston served as the leader of the Bloods’ Red Life Militia, allegedly trafficking guns and drugs across the city, brazenly touting her gang affiliation on social media; ordering cold-blooded murder… Her arrest is direct result of NYPD’s precision policing strategy at work: dismantling gangs, taking guns off streets, holding those who commit violence accountable… I thank HSI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for partnership and continued work to keep New Yorkers safe.”
According to court documents referenced by authorities during proceedings, Johnston allegedly ordered subordinate members to rob and kill Noel Farrow—a former drug supplier—on May 31, 2017, resulting in Farrow’s death by gunshot wounds; received illegally obtained firearms transported from North Carolina; publicized her leadership via social media displaying signs, tattoos, and insignia associated with Red Life Militia.
Johnston faces charges carrying maximum sentences ranging up to life imprisonment or death depending on conviction counts related to both racketeering conspiracy, murders, firearm offenses, and interstate gun trafficking conspiracy.
Authorities emphasize that all charges are allegations at this stage; Johnston is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.