Chandler officers in shootout trying to sell pot

CHANDLER, AZ - Court records released Friday show the Chandler police officers who were shot during an undercover operation this week were trying to sell 500 pounds of marijuana.

Three officers and two other men went to a home in south Phoenix with the marijuana on Wednesday to complete a deal they had been negotiating all day. Police probable cause statements filed in court say that eight to 12 other men were in the home when gunshots rang out.

One officer was killed, one critically wounded and another had a lesser wound. Chandler police say the funeral for the slain officer -- 34-year-old Carlos Ledesma -- will be held Wednesday in Gilbert.

Two of the suspects were fatally shot and one critically wounded. Five suspects have been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and other charges and are being held on $3 million bond.

The ABC15 Investigators found three of the eight men involved in the officer’s death have significant prior run-ins with the law.

Doarnell Jackson Jr., originally sentenced to two years probation on a 2003 assault charge, served nine months in state prison after a probation violation.

Jerry Cockhearn Jr. was convicted of armed robbery and marijuana possession in a 2004 case and sentenced to four years probation.

Markiese Royalty, one of the two suspects killed in the shootout according to court documents, was arrested three times for marijuana violations, the most recent case in 2006 resulting in an 18-month probation.

Neither Phoenix Police nor Chandler Police have yet identified the second deceased suspect.

According to court paperwork, Christopher Gonzales and a confidential informant met with Thandika Singleton and John Webber “to begin the facilitation of the 500 pound marijuana transaction.”

Singleton, known as “Ton Don,” was part of the rap duo Big Ole Pimps.

Singleton and Webber own Big Life Entertainment Group, which according to Arizona Corporation Commission filings, is involved in event production, business management, and artist development.