Kemond Jones, a Black 17-year-old, has been convicted of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a White teen, Ethan Powell, 18, in September 2020.
Jones was 15 at the time of the killing and was charged as an adult because of the felony done while using a deadly weapon.
The punishment for first-degree murder is life in prison without parole. But, that will be decided at a hearing on March 21.
Authorities say that Powell and Jones had a disagreement that ended with Jones slapping Powell. He told his friends that he didn’t want Jones hanging around and left.
A week after that, Powell and his friends were cruising the streets, attempting to buy weed. Defense lawyers argued that Powell observed Jones there, drove in his direction, exited his vehicle, and slapped Jones.
In court, Jones stated that Powell was 183 lbs. and 5’8. Jones was 5’4 and 90 lbs. He stated that he drew the gun and shot Powell in self-defense.
Powell was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The medical examiner and witnesses testified that Powell had been shot 8 times even as he lay on the ground.
