In a courtroom filled with tension and raw emotion, a Bronx man has been handed a sentence that has left a family searching for justice. Isiah Garrett, 27, was sentenced on Tuesday to a term of 20 years to life for the brutal robbery and murder of Avanti Frowner, a Los Angeles drill rapper, in a brazen daylight attack that occurred in June 2022.
The tragic incident unfolded inside a Bronx pharmacy when Garrett, alongside three accomplices, accosted Frowner—known by his stage name “Vontae”—and his friend. The rapper, who was in New York City for a performance, had entered the pharmacy to purchase medication. As they exited, they were ambushed, robbed of their gold chains, and forced back into the store at gunpoint, leading to a horrific confrontation that ended with Frowner being shot multiple times.
The sentence has stirred outrage among Frowner’s family, who are grappling with the reality that Garrett may one day be eligible for parole. “Giving him the possibility of parole is crazy,” expressed Roger Frowner, Jr., the victim’s brother, reflecting the family’s distress over the potential for Garrett’s release.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark underscored the senseless nature of the crime, emphasizing the devastating impact on the family and the community. As Garrett prepares to serve his sentence, the community and Frowner’s family continue to mourn a life cut tragically short.
The 27-year-old rapper — known as “Vontae” — was visiting New York City for a performance when he walked into the Crotona pharmacy with a friend to purchase medication, Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said.
On their way out of the store, the rapper and his friend were robbed of their gold chains by Garrett and three of his pals — and forced back into the store at gunpoint.
Garret’s three accomplices mercilessly attacked Frowner before Garrett fatally shot him 12 times in the torso.
The killing was caught on harrowing footage from the store’s surveillance cameras.
The LA-based rapper was rushed to the hospital where he later died.
“He callously murdered Frowner and put everyone in the pharmacy and on the street at risk,” Clark said.
After the brutal slaying, Garrett and two of his buddies fled to Georgia where they were arrested later that month.
Garrett pleaded guilty to first-degree murder earlier this month.
Nayshon White, 28, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter on Tuesday and is expected to be sentenced to 20 years in prison on May 29.
Prosecutors say cases for the two other accomplices are still pending.
