Perry Cousins was a leader of a violent gang, a member of an enterprise that consisted of three gangs, the "Slump Mobb," the "Dump Squad," and "Bang Gang," all criminal organizations that operated in the Ridley Circle, Harbor Homes and Dickerson Court areas of Newport News.

Newport News gang member was convicted by a federal jury of murdering two people as part of his activities with the violent street gangs operating in the city.

Perry Cousins was a leader of a violent gang who spread "fear and havoc" throughout Newport News, U.S. Attorney Neil H. MacBride said.

According to evidence introduced at trial, Cousins was a member of an enterprise that consisted of three gangs, the "Slump Mobb," the "Dump Squad," and "Bang Gang," all criminal organizations that operated in the Ridley Circle, Harbor Homes and Dickerson Court areas of Newport News.

"The gang was so brazen they firebombed a police station in an attempt to intimidate both law enforcement and the surrounding community," MacBride said.

Cousins was charged and convicted of the murders of Rashed Caudle on Aug. 9, 2003, Lorenzo Thomas on Sept. 12, 2005, and the pistol-whipping of a third person.

Several co-defendants previously pled guilty to violent criminal acts associated with their participation in gang activity.