Quiton De'Sean Murray, a 25-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on March 28, 2021, in Fort Worth, Texas. Quiton was born on January 27, 1996, and was the third of five boys in his family. He was known for his charismatic personality and his love for basketball, which he played with his brothers and childhood friends. Quiton was employed and independent from a young age, always helping those close to him.
On the night of his death, Quiton Murray was shot multiple
times after parking his BMW near an east Fort Worth apartment complex. The incident occurred after a confrontation at an Arlington nightclub earlier in the night. Jonathan Howard, a 33-year-old documented member of the 5x2 Crips street gang, and two other men were involved in the shooting. Howard, who was wearing an ankle monitor at the time due to a previous charge for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, was arrested and charged with Quiton's murder. Howard had been released from jail five months prior to the incident and was again released on bond five days after his arrest for the murder.
The Tarrant County District Attorney's Office requested a $150,000 bond for Howard, but he was instead given a $10,000 bond, which led to public outrage and concerns about the safety of the community. Quiton's mother, LaQuita Murray, expressed her frustration and fear for her family's safety, stating that the justice system had let them down. Howard was eventually sentenced to 60 years in prison for engaging in organized crime and murder.
The case highlighted issues with the criminal justice system, particularly the low bonds set for high-level offenders. LaQuita Murray and other victims' families have been advocating for changes to the bail system to prevent violent criminals from being released back into the community. The tragic death of Quiton Murray serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by families and communities affected by violent crime.
