Donovan Jamal Moncree, a 23-year-old Black man, was born on March 11, 2001, and lived in Lawton, Oklahoma. His life was brought to a violent end in the spring of 2024. On the evening of Tuesday, April 23, a call reporting a shooting sent police officers to the Bel Air apartments on the city's south side.
The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the complex, located in the 600 block of Southwest Bishop Road.
When officers arrived, they found Donovan Moncree suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Lawton Police Department launched a homicide investigation, marking the city’s sixth of the year. An early witness report stated that two unidentified men were seen fleeing the area immediately after the sound of gunshots. As detectives began gathering evidence and conducting interviews, they appealed to the public for any information that could help piece together the circumstances of Moncree’s death.
Within a week, the investigation led to a significant breakthrough. Authorities identified two individuals, Derrick Lyles and Jacavion Johnson, as suspects in the murder. In a surprising turn, both Lyles and Johnson presented themselves at the public safety building to speak with investigators about the incident.
Following these interviews, both men were taken into custody and booked into the Lawton City Jail. Prosecutors subsequently charged Derrick Lyles and Jacavion Johnson with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting.
The case against the accused proceeded through the justice system and culminated in a jury trial. After hearing all the evidence presented, the jury reached a verdict. Having determined guilt, they recommended a sentence of life in prison. With the trial's conclusion, the murder of Donovan Moncree is considered solved.
