Brandon Jerico Cornelius, a 25-year-old African American male from San Antonio, Texas, tragically lost his life on June 23, 2018. Cornelius was fatally shot outside the Burnhouse Rooftop Lounge on the North Side of San Antonio. He and two other individuals had left the lounge and were getting into their vehicle when two unidentified men approached them with handguns. The assailants opened the front passenger door, where Cornelius was seated, and fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene.
Cornelius was later pronounced dead at University Hospital.
The investigation into Cornelius's death revealed that there was no prior indication of any problems or disagreements that could have led to the shooting. Witnesses at the scene provided information to the police, but the gunmen remained at large. The San Antonio Police Department conducted a preliminary investigation but did not release a motive for the crime.
Over a year later, on October 3, 2019, the SAPD announced an arrest in connection with Cornelius's murder. Jamarque Jamez Washington, a 21-year-old male, was charged with the murder after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Investigators collected DNA from the car door handle and shell casings found at the scene, which matched evidence from a separate shooting in Houston. Washington was taken into custody and held in the Bexar County Jail with bail set at $125,000.
The Cornelius family expressed relief at the arrest but continued to grieve the loss of Brandon. They planned to attend all court hearings related to the case to seek justice for Brandon. The case highlighted the importance of forensic science in solving crimes and bringing closure to grieving families.
In summary, Brandon Jerico Cornelius, a 25-year-old African American male, was shot and killed in a senseless act of violence outside a San Antonio nightclub. The investigation led to the arrest of Jamarque Jamez Washington, who was charged with the murder based on DNA evidence. The case remains a poignant reminder of the impact of gun violence and the ongoing pursuit of justice for victims and their families.
