By Robert J. Hansen | OBSERVER Staff Writer
Tahje Michael received 25 years to life in prison August 8 for the murder of beloved coach and mentor Gregory “Najee” Grimes and the shooting injuries of four others in Sacramento in 2022.
Family and close friends of both men filled the Sacramento courtroom, many in visible grief. Grimes’ parents and a handful of other family members wore his Boise State football jersey in tribute. Most of Michael’s family and friends sat in the courtroom with looks of disbelief. As victim impact statements were read, some of Michael’s relatives briefly left the courtroom. Nearly 20 statements were delivered by family and friends throughout the hearing before Judge Shauna Franklin handed down the sentences.
Wearing her son’s Boise State football jersey, Deborah Grimes spoke with raw emotion about the devastating impact of losing her only child. “Najee is the heartbeat of our family – his father’s pride, his mother’s joy, and his son’s first superhero,” she said. She described the pain as a constant echo. “I have died 1,000 times since that day,” she said, “but I am still unstoppable.”
She also highlighted the Greg Najee Grimes 212 Anchor Foundation, established in her son’s honor to preserve his legacy through scholarships, community events, and outreach deeply connected to Najee’s life and values.
Denise Huffman, mother of Grimes’ son, Jaceyon “Ace” Huffman Grimes, said the loss left a permanent void for the child. “He’ll never again hear his father’s voice or feel his arms around him,” Huffman said. “I have to explain why his dad won’t be there for his birthdays, his games, his graduation, or his wedding.” She described the deep pain her son carries, including nightmares and tears unseen by others, and the burden she bears raising Ace alone.
Grimes, 31, a revered football coach and mentor to special needs kids, was shot and killed outside a nightclub on the 1500 block of L Street in downtown Sacramento in the early morning hours of July 4, 2022. Four other men also were shot and hospitalized. The shooting occurred as people left the nightclub.
Michael, who didn’t know Grimes, was convicted of several charges and is serving two concurrent 25-year sentences with the sentence imposed for Grimes’ murder.
The killing remained unsolved for more than a year. On March 1, 2024, Sacramento police, in collaboration with the U.S. Marshal’s Service and the television show “America’s Most Wanted,” announced the arrest of Michael, who had been at large for 19 months.
During Friday’s hearing, emotional testimony from Grimes’ family, friends, and former coaches painted a vivid picture of his impact and legacy.
Terrance “Coach T” Leonard, who met Grimes while coaching at Inderkum in 2007, described him as “the anchor of Natomas” and a “bridge” who brought people together. “We’ve lost our anchor,” Leonard said. “[Michael] took a life that radiated purpose and impact.” Leonard recalled Grimes as a “gentleman” with discipline, humility, and a work ethic that set a tone for others.
Former Inderkum football Coach Reginald Harris said the killing fractured family and community bonds. “Justice means accountability,” Harris said. “Not to reverse what’s been done, but to affirm that Najee’s life mattered and that our suffering isn’t ignored.” He emphasized Grimes’ commitment to mentoring young athletes and working with special needs students, calling him a “community treasure.”
Grimes also was remembered as Inderkum’s first Division I scholarship athlete, who returned home not for praise but to give back through coaching and mentorship.
Ace was just 4 when his father was killed. Family members said Ace still wears a pendant containing some of his father’s ashes, engraved with the words, “That’s my boy.” They said he talks about his father daily and tries to live up to his legacy, though he often breaks down asking why he doesn’t have a dad like other children.
Michael addressed the court before sentencing. “I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said. “I know my actions have caused lasting pain and for that I am genuinely sorry.”
Franklin described the day as one of the hardest in her life and acknowledged the immense pain experienced by the families and community. She highlighted the devastating toll gun violence takes on families, dreams, and neighborhoods, reminding everyone present that these tragedies affect entire communities. The judge pointed out the presence of a mother who had lost her son to murder, and a coach who had lost three student-athletes, underscoring the widespread impact. She emphasized the urgent need for justice and healing, urging all to carry this mission back to their families and communities.
“We need it [gun violence] to stop,” she said. “We need justice, and we need space to heal.”