(Editor’s note: This story was first printed in the Westside Current on July 26 and is reprinted with permission. Too often residents hear of arrests, but do not hear a final story; residents don’t hear what judges may also face.)
Ky Alicia Thomas, 28, was killed in Venice, in December 2020.
In a dramatic courtroom scene on Thursday, Isaiah Caldwell, a Venice Shoreline Crips gang member, was sentenced to the maximum term of 18 years for conspiracy to commit assault with a firearm.
Thursday’s sentencing finalized a trial that began on May 6. Caldwell, known on the streets as “6iix Boy,” faced multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and a misdemeanor for carrying a loaded firearm. He was found not guilty of all charges except for the conspiracy to commit assault with a firearm.
The case revolves around the December 2020 shooting of Ky Alicia Thomas, a 28-year-old mother, outside a scooter and bike rental shop along the Venice Beach boardwalk. Just weeks after giving birth, Thomas was on the boardwalk with her husband, Steven Nobles, when the tragedy struck. The prosecution suggested that Nobles, purported to have ties to a rival gang, was the likely intended target of the shooting.
During the sentencing, the judge cited Caldwell’s extensive criminal history, which dates back to his teenage years. “Mr. Caldwell has demonstrated a persistent and unrepentant commitment to a life of crime,” the judge stated. “He is an undeterred and resolute hardcore gang member and proud of it.”
As the judge was reading the sentencing, Caldwell put his feet up on the defense table, prompting the judge to order him to put his feet down. When he did not comply, the bailiff walked over and repeated the judge’s order. The judge remarked that Caldwell’s behavior during the trial had been consistently disruptive. “His behavior in court has made it evident what Mr. Caldwell has shown himself to be,” she stated.
Dressed in a blue jail jumpsuit with “LA County Jail” on the back and shackled by his hands, Caldwell began yelling at the judge and then lunged toward the court clerk.
Five deputies restrained him as he shouted profanities at the judge and yelled “Venice Shoreline.” The courtroom then became highly energized, with both the victim’s and the defendant’s families yelling at each other and at times asking Caldwell to calm down. The courtroom was temporarily cleared, and Caldwell’s father, Isaiah Caldwell Sr., who had testified about his own 25-year prison term and expressed remorse for his son’s path, was allowed to stay.
When court was back in session, Caldwell Jr. was wheeled in strapped into a safety chair. The judge, explaining her sentencing, stated she believed that Caldwell could have been found guilty of second-degree murder, citing potential confusion with evidence and witness statements. She referenced a recorded jail phone call where Caldwell implied his involvement in the crime. ” While you were incarcerated you said on the phone, ‘I want to be the fat person. I’ll be that.’ That shows he wasn’t the one who said, They aren’t trippin.”
The judge noted the strong likelihood of Caldwell reoffending and stressed the need to keep him off the streets of Venice and away from gang influences. “He has continued to embrace gang life, even after his arrest,” she remarked, referencing Caldwell’s new gang tattoos.
The defense attorney then accused the judge of bias, claiming she had already formed an opinion on Caldwell’s guilt. He also stated he believed given the District Attorney’s stance on juvenile leniency that Caldwell’s juvenile crimes shouldn’t be included in the sentencing.
The Judge rebutted, asserting that the court record would reflect the fairness of the proceedings. She also noted that “Society must be considered not the policies of the DA’s office. “DA’s often change seats and their policies have no weight in the courts.”
The judge once again began reading her sentencing terms when Caldwell erupted once more, shouting profanities: “You can stop talking now, bitch. F*** this bitch. You are going to drop dead.”
The deceased’s mother, Cortlyn Bridges, and Caldwell’s family pleaded with him to calm down as he was wheeled out of the courtroom.
Ky’s mother wanted justice for her daughter.
Earlier, Bridges had delivered a poignant victim impact statement. “This week, I broke down,” she began. “Regardless of the outcome, I asked God for what will be done. I don’t hate you [she said to Caldwell]. My daughter is gone. It’s a hard pill to swallow.”
“I begged the district attorney to let me see what happened to my daughter,” she continued. “The hardest part is coming into this courtroom as a mother and seeing no remorse.
“I’ve had to walk these hallways. I’m a mother. It hurts. My heart is broken. My granddaughter doesn’t have a mother.” Bridges then played a recording from her granddaughter, Ky’s seven-year-old daughter, in which she said she just wanted everyone to love each other.
Bridges called for peace within the African American community, emphasizing the need for love and unity. “Our communities are suffering,” she said. Caldwell Sr. echoed her sentiments, expressing his sorrow and commitment to advocating for change.
Caldwell was denied probation and credited for three years’ time served. The next court date will determine restitution. The defense announced plans to appeal Thursday’s decision.