Man Convicted in 2021 Woodbourne Avenue Homicide Receives Sentence

Thank you for reading Baltimore Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.

Donate Now

The man convicted of killing 27-year-old Nikea Jackson near Woodbourne Avenue in 2021 received his sentence before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Cynthia H. Jones.

Daya Jones was sentenced to life for first-degree murder, a consecutive 20 years, the first five of which without the possibility of parole, for firearm use in a felony violent crime, a consecutive three years for having a handgun in his vehicle and a consecutive 15 years the first five of which without the possibility of parole, for firearm possession with a felony conviction. 

Many of Jackson’s family members made statements at the proceeding. 

“We all lose out by not having her for the rest of our lives,” one of Jackson’s aunt said. She also called the crime an “act of evilness.”

“[the incident] left a stain in my family that can never be washed away,” Nikea’s sister said. 

Jones and his sister also spoke at the proceeding. 

 “I want to apologize from my family to Nikea’s family,” Jones’ sister said. “I carry them in my prayers all the time.”

 “I really apologize for my actions,” the 47-year-old defendant today the courtroom. “This was a tragic accident. 

Sometimes I wish I could trade places.”

According to Jones’ attorney Karyn Meriwether, the two were at a nightclub and then drove to Jackson’s home on Woodbourne Avenue. Jones was placing a gun in the driver- side door when it discharged and shot Jackson in her side. 

According to the prosecution during the trial, the two were arguing over Jackson’s daughter on the 700 block of Woodbourne Avenue, where Jones shot Jackson in her left side. Jones stated he had a gun in his pocket.