On the evening of December 26, 2021, a tragic and senseless act of violence cut short the life of 21-year-old Jaion Antonio Penamon in Frederick, Maryland. The young man, known for his love of basketball and his positive influence on friends and family, was fatally shot while attempting to de-escalate a heated argument at a local Burger King.
The incident began when Darin Tyler Robey, then 20 years old, entered the restaurant on Routzahn Way to confront his girlfriend.
As the altercation between Robey and the woman intensified, Penamon, who was outside, noticed the dispute and stepped in to intervene. Witnesses reported that Penamon suggested they take the argument outside, at which point Robey produced a handgun and shot Penamon multiple times in the chest. Jaion Antonio Penamon was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the shooting, Darin Robey fled the Burger King but was later apprehended by the Frederick Police Department. He was subsequently charged with first and second-degree murder, first and second-degree assault, and several firearm offenses. In August 2022, a jury found Robey guilty of second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, and possession of a regulated firearm by a person under 21.
During the trial, it was revealed that Robey had brought a loaded handgun to the restaurant with the intention of confronting his girlfriend about an affair she was allegedly having with a coworker. The judge ruled that Robey's claim of self-defense was not supported by the evidence. In November 2022, Darin Robey was sentenced to 60 years in prison, with all but 45 years suspended. He will also be subject to five years of supervised probation upon his release.
