Kareem Hewitt, a 25-year-old man from El Paso, Texas, was tragically shot and killed on March 22, 2017, in his apartment at the Autumn Manor Apartments. Hewitt was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was later pronounced dead at University Medical Center of El Paso. The incident occurred in the Parkland area of Northeast El Paso, and the homicide was quickly taken up by detectives from the Crimes Against Persons Unit.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was the result of a
dispute over a gram of marijuana. According to court documents, Kareem Hewitt was allegedly selling marijuana, and the argument began when James McDonald, 28, felt he did not receive the full amount he paid for. The situation escalated, and McDonald, along with his accomplice Lettommy Ballard, 23, allegedly shot Hewitt through the kitchen window of his apartment.
Both McDonald and Ballard were arrested and charged with murder. McDonald faced additional charges for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Ballard's trial began in March 2019, while McDonald's trial followed shortly after. Ballard was later sentenced to 10 years in prison for unlawful carrying of a firearm, but the murder charges against him were dropped. McDonald's legal proceedings continued as he faced trial for his involvement in the fatal shooting.
The tragic death of Kareem Hewitt highlighted the dangers of disputes over illegal substances and the severe consequences that can arise from such conflicts. The case also underscored the importance of swift and thorough investigations by law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.
