Insane Gangster Disciples

The Insane Gangster Disciples are a drug gang that began operating northern areas of Birmingham in the 1990s. The gang is affiliated with the Gangster Disciples and the national "Folk Nation" originating in Chicago. The Insane Gangster Disciples set has crews in several southern and midwestern states. The gang dresses mainly in black, favoring Oakland Raiders team gear. The letters "IGD" or the cipher 974 are seen in their graffiti tags.

In the Riley neighborhood, the gang formerly operated out of a house, dubbed "The Warehouse", on Maple Avenue. The gang's primary business has been selling crack cocaine from The Warehouse and outside a convenience store in "The Bottom" section of Riley. The Warehouse is no longer a primary location and hangout.

Information about the gang in Riley emerged through testimony given in the trial of Marcus Watts, who is charged with the murder of Lavar Davis on October 18, 2001. Watts testified that he joined the gang when he was 11. Other members who testified include Terry Hardy, Dwight Thomas, Everett "Dreet" Smith and Lee Snow, Jr, a supplier who was involved in a face-off with Watts shortly after the murder.

References

• Velasco, Eric (October 7, 2007) "Murder trial offers look inside grim gang world." Birmingham News.
• Green, John Marc (n. d.) "Where The Gangs Are." CBS 42 News