Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder of Alexandria, VA Man

By Azziah Hunter [former] - October 19, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On the second day of a preliminary hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ruled there was probable cause in the murder of an Alexandria, Va. resident.

Delonte Jackson, 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to the murder of  44-year-old Artavarn Wagner. Jackson allegedly stole the victim’s car after shooting him. Jackson’s DNA was found on the car’s steering wheel. 

On March 3, at about  6:03 a.m., officers responded to the 1700 block of Gales Street, NE  after receiving reports of sounds of gunshots, according to court documents. Upon arrival, the members located an adult male victim, in an alley, suffering from gunshot wounds. Wagner was pronounced dead at the scene. 

During the hearing on Oct. 17 and Oct. 18, a MPD detective testified that surveillance footage shows Jackson and Wagner interacting with each other and, a few minutes later, Wagner is seen running away from Jackson. Jackson began chasing after Wagner.

Footage also shows Wagner in an alley with Jackson standing over him. The suspect is seen driving off in victim’s car. 

Before the offense, the victim was seen with a witness. The witness told the detective that the suspect was wearing light sneakers and dark clothing.

On June 23, detectives got a search warrant for Jackson’s residence, finding clothing that matched the person in the footage. Jackson was arrested on June 27.

Defense attorney Megan Allburn argued that the evidence against her client was weak and the MPD did not investigate enough considering the bizarre behavior of one of the witnesses. 

Allburn added that there were no witnesses, at the time of the alleged offense, and Jackson was not the perpetrator. 

Jackson continues to be held in this case. Allburn said that pending the status of other matters, including probation revocations, against the defendant, she would argue for release at a later time.

Judge Brandt scheduled the next hearing from Feb. 3, 2023. The case is pending a Grand Jury.