Two Men Accused of Murder and Robbery Face Life in Prison or Death

Strategic Insights -

A shooting on July 27 has led to felony charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit robbery against Charles E. Jones, 29, and Dedrick L. Bell, 24, who will stand trial in district court. Jones, accused of being the triggerman, and Bell, accused of aiding and abetting, could face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors are basing their case on eyewitness accounts and physical evidence recovered from the crime scene, including a Jimenez .380-caliber handgun found on Gordon Road.

Key Takeaways:

  • Charles E. Jones and Dedrick L. Bell face life in prison or death if convicted of first-degree murder.
  • Jones was accused of being the triggerman and shooting Adonnis Whitehead five times, including one shot to the heart.
  • Witnesses reported that Jones had joked earlier in the night that he would "shoot him in the knee caps" to take the money from Whitehead without being charged with attempted murder.
  • Prosecutors found a trace of the firearm that revealed Sharita Jones, Bell's wife, bought the gun at a pawn shop in Memphis, Tenn., on July 3.
  • The multiple shootings followed a gathering at 1300 Meadow Drive, where Adonnis Whitehead was living with the Graham family.
  • David Graham, Adonnis' father, attempted CPR on Whitehead while waiting for an ambulance, but unfortunately, Whitehead died that night.
  • Police found cash inside the Round-Up Motel room where Jones and Bell stayed after the shooting, and more cash fell out of Jones' pant leg during his arrest.
  • Jones claimed the cash was from a drug deal that went wrong, but police found no evidence of a deal.

Statistics:

  • Jones and Bell face $250,000 and $100,000 bonds, respectively.
  • Whitehead was shot five times, one shot being to the heart.
  • Jones took money from Whitehead after the shooting.
  • Cash was found inside the Round-Up Motel room where Jones and Bell stayed.
  • A boy found the murder weapon, a Jimenez .380-caliber handgun, in the 2200 block of Gordon Road.

Sources:

  • Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, http://www.wyomingnews.com/
  • McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
  • The Permissions Group Inc.