Jesse Jerome Tryon Jr., an 18-year-old male of African American ethnicity from Midland, Texas, tragically passed away on January 25, 2020, in Odessa, Texas. Jesse was known for his vibrant personality, love for music, and his aspiration to become a rapper like NBA Youngboy. He was deeply loved by his family and friends, and his sense of humor and dedication to his loved ones left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
The circumstances surrounding Jesse's death were related to a robbery
and drug deal. On the night of January 25, 2020, Odessa Police Department officers responded to a 911 call about two gunshot victims at the Parkway Inn on East Highway 80. When they arrived, they found Jesse mortally wounded and another 18-year-old, Savion Cottrell, suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Authorities determined that the teenagers were shot during a robbery/drug deal.
Several individuals were implicated in the incident. Jesiah Villescas, then 20 years old, was indicted on multiple charges, including felony murder, attempted capital murder, manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Johnny Bryan Hernandez, then 17 years old, was also indicted on murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charges. Johnathen Sanchez, another teenager, faced charges of murder, attempted capital murder, and manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance.
In the aftermath of the incident, Villescas eventually pleaded guilty to felony murder, attempted capital murder, and manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance. He received three concurrent sentences of 20 years each. Hernandez was convicted by an Ector County jury and sentenced to concurrent sentences of 50 and 20 years, respectively. Sanchez pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance, receiving two concurrent 20-year prison terms.
The tragic death of Jesse Tryon Jr. and the subsequent legal proceedings highlighted the severe consequences of violent crime and the impact it has on families and communities. Jesse's memory lives on through his family, friends, and the music he loved so much.
