In the Bronx, New York, on September 30, 2015, a meeting between two men involved in a debit card fraud scheme turned fatal. Seecharan Ahmad, a 19-year-old male, was shot and killed in the vicinity of 1529 Glover Street. The investigation into his death led police to Jakwon Ramos, who was arrested on October 5, 2015.
The case against Ramos was built on several key pieces of evidence.
Cell phone records not only placed Ramos at the scene of the homicide but also revealed text messages between him and Ahmad arranging the meeting. Surveillance video from Ramos's building captured him in the elevator after the shooting, allegedly discussing the victim's death and his intention to get rid of his clothing. In the video, Ramos was also seen leaving his apartment with his television and other personal items.
During the investigation, a detective claimed that Ramos made a spontaneous confession while his pedigree information was being recorded. According to the detective, Ramos stated that he and Ahmad were involved in a financial scheme and that an argument ensued when they met. Ramos allegedly claimed he saw Ahmad reach for what he believed to be a gun, prompting him to shoot in self-defense. However, this confession was not video-recorded, a point that would become significant later.
Jakwon Ramos was charged with Murder in the Second Degree, Manslaughter in the First Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. At his trial, Ramos testified in his own defense. He admitted to being present at the scene but claimed that a physical altercation broke out after Ahmad became angry that Ramos had brought another person with him. Ramos testified that he saw Ahmad pull out a black metal object that he believed to be a gun. He also admitted to creating a false alibi on social media, stating he was in New Jersey at the time of the incident, and to disposing of his clothes out of fear.
On December 18, 2018, a Bronx jury found Jakwon Ramos not guilty on all charges, and he was fully acquitted of the murder of Seecharan Ahmad.
