On May 11, 2015, a dispute that began over a small amount of marijuana and twenty dollars tragically escalated, leading to the death of 21-year-old Jamil M. Bryant in Williamsport, PA. The altercation started earlier in the day when Bryant and Rory Herbert had a physical confrontation over the debt. Although Herbert and Bryant, who were friends, reportedly settled their minor dispute, Herbert had already involved his cousin, Brandon Love.
The situation intensified as Love, along with
Terrance X. Perez and Cosme Berrones, became involved. The argument continued over the phone and through text messages, with threats being exchanged. Jada Jenkins, the mother of Love's child, testified that she heard Perez threaten to kill Bryant over a speakerphone call. Later that day, Perez and Berrones acquired a semi-automatic rifle.
That night, Brandon Love drove Perez and Berrones through the East End of the city in search of Bryant. Just after 10:30 p.m., Love dropped Perez off near Bryant's home on Anthony Street. Perez then opened fire, shooting Bryant thirteen times with a. 22 caliber weapon. Bryant's brother, who was inside the house, heard the gunshots. An expert in forensic pathology later confirmed that Bryant suffered 13 wounds from small caliber bullets, including one to the head, and the manner of death was homicide.
Following the shooting, an investigation led to the arrests of three men. Terrance X. Perez, the gunman, was apprehended in South Carolina. He was charged with and found guilty of first-degree criminal homicide, conspiracy, aggravated assault, and possession of a prohibited firearm. On November 2, 2016, Perez was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Cosme Berrones pleaded guilty to third-degree homicide for his involvement and agreed to testify against the others in exchange for a sentence of 12 to 25 years in state prison. Brandon Love, the driver, pleaded no contest to third-degree homicide and was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in a state prison.
