Kelvontae Nasheed Perry, the 30-year-old man convicted of third-degree murder in the 2020 killing of Shaquille Love of Bristol Township, was sentenced Wednesday, May 7, 2025, to 21 ½ to 44 years in state prison.
The sentencing by Common Pleas Judge Wallace H. Bateman Jr. follows Perry’s conviction in December after a three-day waiver trial. Perry was found guilty of conspiring with others to shoot and kill Love. In addition to third-degree murder, Perry was also convicted of aggravated assault, firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of an instrument of crime, possession of a weapon, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
During Wednesday’s court proceedings, Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin M. McElroy described Shaquille Love as an innocent victim caught in the crossfire of a long-standing and violent feud between rival Bristol Township neighborhoods. “He was a good kid, not running the streets and he had plans to serve this country,” McElroy said, adding that this potential was extinguished by “senseless violence set in motion by the defendant.”
The investigation revealed that Love, who was not involved in the neighborhood conflict, was giving a friend a ride when they encountered a vehicle driven by Perry and occupied by another individual. Love’s passenger and Perry, along with his passenger, were associated with the rival groups.
“Shaquille Love paid the ultimate price for helping out a friend,” McElroy emphasized during the trial.
Evidence presented by Bucks County detectives during the December trial showed that Perry intentionally followed Love’s vehicle in his gold Lexus prior to the shooting. As Love’s passenger requested he pull over to let the Lexus pass, Perry slowed down, allowing his co-conspirator to fire a fatal shot at Love from the front passenger window before fleeing. Perry’s vehicle was discovered a month later at his girlfriend’s apartment complex.
Police responding to the 1800 block of Edgely Road at 7:00 p.m. on December 23, 2020, found Love deceased in the driver’s seat of his vehicle, the cause of death a single gunshot wound to the head.
Testimony from two acquaintances of Perry during the trial indicated that Perry admitted his involvement in the shooting. Perry’s co-conspirator has not been charged in the homicide.
In a related case, Quashaad James, 29, also of Bristol Township, is awaiting trial on charges of perjury and false swearing. He is accused of falsely identifying another individual as Love’s killer while under oath before the Grand Jury. James is currently incarcerated on an unrelated matter.
During Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, victim impact statements from Love’s parents were presented. His mother wrote, “Losing Shaquille was like losing a piece of my heart.”
“Our hearts remain with the Love family as they continue to navigate the devastating loss of their son, Shaquille, due to this senseless violence,” said District Attorney Jennifer Schorn. “The sentencing of the defendant to decades in state prison today marks a significant step towards justice. This outcome is a direct result of the unwavering commitment and tireless work of the exceptional team that has pursued this case relentlessly since the night of the crime.”
The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin M. McElroy and Deputy District Attorney Brittney M. Kern.
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