In the summer of 2017, the life of 34-year-old Blane L. Jones II, a Black/African American male from Chester, Pennsylvania, was cut short in a burst of senseless violence. On the evening of June 27th, a gunfight erupted in the area of 11th Street and McDowell Avenue. Jones was struck multiple times in his upper torso. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery, but tragically succumbed to his injuries the following day.
The Chester Police Department and the Delaware County
Criminal Investigation Division immediately launched a thorough investigation into the shooting. Their efforts were aided by surveillance footage and crucial witness testimonies which quickly helped identify the shooter. The evidence pointed to Devonte Perkins, a 19-year-old from Chester who was also known by the nickname 'Hurk'. Perkins was identified through video footage and photo identification and was subsequently charged with first-degree murder and related offenses.
In December 2018, Devonte Perkins was convicted of first-degree murder. The trial revealed that the fatal shooting stemmed from an argument. The jury found the evidence against him to be so clear that they reached a verdict in less than two hours. In February 2019, Perkins was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Blane L. Jones II. The resolution of the case brought a measure of justice to a community shaken by the violent loss of one of its own.
