Defendants Convicted of Murder at Crowne Plaza Hotel

DATE: October 2, 2025

CASE: Bertrand Keeton, Cleveland Pratt Jr., Lafonjaney Moultrie (Case #20FE008492)

PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney James Wax, Homicide Unit

Bertrand Keeton, Cleveland Pratt Jr. and Lafonjaney Moultrie were each convicted by a jury of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Aggravating factors that the crime was committed with planning, sophistication, or professionalism were found true. Bertrand Keeton was also convicted of felon in possession of a firearm with an allegation that Keeton personally and intentionally discharged a firearm causing death found true.

Lafonjaney Moultrie was romantically connected with Cleveland Pratt. On February 28, 2020, Moultrie lured the victim, Lumont Otis, to the Crowne Plaza Hotel under the guise of a "date." Once at the hotel with the victim, Moultrie communicated the victim's location to Pratt on a burner phone that Pratt purchased the day before for the murder. Pratt then used the burner phone to relay information to Bertrand Keeton, who then went to the hotel and waited for the victim to exit the hotel. When the victim exited the hotel, Keeton shot the victim in the back multiple times, killing him. Pratt was later connected with the .40 caliber firearm used in the shooting.

Allegations that Keeton has a prior strike conviction for shooting at an inhabited dwelling and that Pratt has a prior strike conviction for conspiracy to shoot at an inhabited dwelling will be determined at the sentencing hearing.

Keeton faces a maximum sentence of 75 years to life in prison; Pratt faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in prison; and Moultrie faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. Sentencing is set for December 19, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 32 before the Honorable James Arguelles.