On a Saturday afternoon in Waterbury, Connecticut, the life of 17-year-old Jahliek Dieudonne, a Black / African American male, was tragically cut short. On November 5, 2016, police responded to a call on Porter Street around 4:20 p.m. and found the teenager suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Waterbury Hospital, but tragically, he was pronounced dead a few hours later.
Jahliek, a student who had attended Walsh Elementary School, West Side Middle School, and Wilby High School, was remembered for his love of basketball and football, his passion for music, and a smile that could light up a room.
The investigation into the shooting quickly led authorities to a suspect. Based on evidence from the scene and tips from the community, Waterbury police identified 21-year-old Erick Malone as the man they believed was responsible for Jahliek's death. It was reported that Dieudonne and Malone were acquainted, though the circumstances that led to their meeting on Porter Street that day remained under investigation. A warrant was issued for Malone's arrest, charging him with murder, reckless endangerment, and several firearm offenses. Police considered him armed and dangerous, initiating a search for his whereabouts. The investigation even led police to the home of Malone's mother, where they discovered abandoned animals.
The pursuit of justice for Jahliek Dieudonne would prove to be a lengthy and complex legal journey. In 2017, Erick Malone was arrested and charged with the murder. However, the path to a trial was not straightforward. Just a day before the trial was set to begin in May 2018, the state requested that the charges be dropped because two material witnesses could not be found. The court granted this request, and the case was nolled, meaning the state would not prosecute at that time but could refile charges in the future. This was a difficult turn of events for those seeking justice for Jahliek.
Despite the setback, the case was not over. In 2019, Erick Malone was rearrested and once again charged with the murder of Jahliek Dieudonne. Malone's defense team later filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that the delay and the initial nolle had violated his right to a speedy trial. This legal challenge was ultimately denied. The case against Erick Malone for the death of Jahliek Dieudonne is still pending and awaiting trial, leaving family and friends to continue their long wait for a final resolution.
