Jury finds Cooley Lounge suspects guilty of murder, armed robbery

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CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - A jury has found Nigel Brunson and Anita Hollins guilty for the aggravated murder of 44-year-old Melissa Brinker and the armed robbery of several patrons at the Cooley Lounge in Cleveland.

In October 2016, Brunson, Dwayne Sims and Dana Thomas went to the bar on West 130th Street at the direction of Anita Hollins, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office.

Hollins held a grudge over an altercation that occurred at the bar in August 2016. The customers involved in the altercation were charged, but later acquitted.

The three men—Brunson, Thomas and Sims—entered the Cooley Lounge and sat down for a drink. After a few minutes, they ordered all the patrons to the ground and robbed them of their purses, wallets and cell phones.

Melissa Brinker was working her shift as a bartender. She was ordered into the back office by Thomas, who shot her once. Brunson then went into the back room to check on her. When he noticed she was still alive, he shot her point blank and killed her, according to court documents.

"Anita Hollins and her gang of assassins went to the bar for one purpose: to execute another human being," said Prosecutor Michael C. O'Malley in a prepared statement. "Sadly they succeeded in their mission, and for that they will pay for the rest of their lives."

The three men and Anita Hollins decided to present their case before a jury. Prior to trial, a fifth defendant, Garry Lake, 22, pleaded guilty to robbery and served as a witness during the trial.

Sims then admitted to his role in robbing the patrons and pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and kidnapping, and Thomas elected to have his case tried before the judge, who will announce her verdict at a later date.

The jury found Brunson and Hollins guilty of 22 charges that include aggravated murder, murder, aggravated robbery, kidnapping, aggravated burglary, and felonious assault. Both defendants face a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.