Grandfather, grandson charged in violent crime spree involving kidnapping, carjacking

A Missouri grandfather and grandson were charged after allegedly taking part in a violent crime spree earlier this year, according to the Department of Justice.

The pair committed a slew of violent crimes including robbery and carjacking, all while threatening victims with firearms. 

March crime spree

Dig deeper:

Michael T. Lomax, 57, and his grandson, Mario O. Lomax, 19, have been charged with multiple federal crimes including conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and several more charges, according to the DOJ.

Timeline:

In the early morning hours of March 25, 2026, Michael and Mario allegedly stormed into a home and ordered a 63-year-old victim to get on the floor, according to a probable cause statement. 

While donning dark clothes and face masks, the pair brandished a gun at the victim, asking if there was any money or guns in the home. 

The pair allegedly had the victim walk them through the home before forcing the victim into the basement and fleeing the scene. The suspects stole cash, firearms and the victim’s car keys and cell phone. 

While fleeing the area, the suspects found a Chevy Silverardo idling in a driveway.

The owner of the vehicle was helping one of their children get into the truck while another child was already sitting in the back seat. 

The suspects got into the truck and pointed a gun at the child in the backseat, ordering them to get out. 

The child complied, and the suspects fled the scene in the truck.

In addition to stealing the truck, the suspects also stole the victim’s cell phones, bag and medication, the DOJ said. 

What's next:

Both Michael and Mario face a minimum of 24 years and a maximum of life in federal prison without parole if they are convicted. 

The Source: Information for this article was taken from a Department of Justice news release shared on Nov. 3, 2026. This story was reported from San Jose.