Case Acquitted: Relative of Homicide Victim Testifies He Robbed Suspect

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Editor’s note: On Aug. 1, a jury acquitted Jarvis Jackson of all charges connected to the homicide of Deont’e Minor.

A homicide victim’s cousin testified about his involvement in a crime against the defendant leading up to the murder, before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on July 25.

Jarvis Jackson, 42, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for allegedly fatally shooting Deont’e Minor, 23, on March 20, 2021. The incident occurred on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

In his testimony, the witness stated he and Minor conducted an armed robbery that occurred in the months leading up to Minor’s death. He identified the defendant as the man they robbed.

The witness explained that he and Minor drove to an apartment complex in Congress Heights, where they met Jackson, who offered to sell them marijuana. He testified he pointed a gun at Jackson and immediately drove off without paying. The witness recalled wearing a black mask, but did not remember if Minor was wearing one. According to the witness, Minor was a passenger in his vehicle at the time of the incident.

His testimony corroborated the prosecution’s opening statements from July 24, in which they told the jury Jackson’s motive for the murder was a robbery allegedly committed by Minor.

While the witness claimed that Minor had suggested committing the robbery, he argued it was “out of character” for him.

The prosecution also called an estranged family member, who knows the defendant as her daughter’s ex-husband.

This witness was able to identify the defendant in a picture shown to the jury.

Parties will reconvene on July 29.