Judge Sentences Man who Killed His Brother to 40 Years in Prison

By Hannah Rainer [former] , Kaliah Green [former] - October 18, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects |

On Oct. 18, Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Lawrence P. Fletcher-Hill sentenced a defendant who admitted to killing his brother in March 2020. 

Jalonte Davis, 26, was charged with first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime and firearm possession with a felony conviction in connection to the murder of his brother, 24 year-old Jerron Davis. 

During the trial, prosecutors described the tensions within his family and the defendant’s criminal history, as possible motives behind Jalonte’s actions that day.  

“Look at how many lives Jalonte affected when he shot Jerron,” stated the prosecution.. 

“I lost two children that day,” stated Jalonte’s mother in a victim’s impact statement. “None of my children are monsters.”

When defense attorney Henry R. Barnes addressed the court, he said he knew that “there was no getting around the facts of this case.” 

“Most cases usually involve an outsider taking from a family. Not this case here. Here Jalonte took from his own family, house, village and mother,” stated Barnes. 

Barnes then gave the court character development letters from Davis’ probation officer and an army veteran cousin. He then asked that the court grant Davis a sentence of no longer than 30 years. 

Standing and facing the judge Jalonte Davis tearfully addressed the court and his family.

“I take responsibility for my actions. I’m sorry. I know I can never say I’m sorry enough. And to my mom, I’m sorry. I will try to be a better son, a stronger man. I’m sorry,” he said. 

The court acknowledged Jalonte’s remorse. However, because of his extensive criminal record starting as a juvenile, Judge Fletcher-Hill didn’t believe that Davis is ready for rehabilitation.

“Right now, no more drugs and violence. If you show that you can improve and turn your actions around, your defense can file a motion to modify the sentence,” the judge told Davis in passing sentence. 

For first-degree murder Davis was sentenced to life, suspending all but 40 years, with five years of supervised probation upon release. He will also be required to stay away from the victim’s fiancee. 

According to documents from the District Court of Maryland, on March 1, 2020, a Baltimore Police Department (BPD) officer responded to a call about a shooting near the 5400 block of Jamestown Court.

Upon arrival, the officer found the victim inside his apartment suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Witnesses indicated an argument with Jerron escalated and resulting in Jalonte’s’ walking to his mother’s home and retrieving a semi-automatic handgun. His mother attempted to stop him, but he made his way back to his brother’s home and shot his brother in the head when he opened the door. 

Witnesses at the scene, including his own mother, identified Jalonte as the one responsible for the shooting. Jerron died two days later in the hospital.