On a summer evening in Wichita, Kansas, the life of 33-year-old Hispanic man, Jerome Armbeck, was tragically cut short. The incident, which unfolded on August 19, 2019, began with a drug deal that spiraled into a fatal robbery. Jerome's brother had arranged to sell marijuana, but the situation turned violent when the buyers robbed him of his backpack at gunpoint.
In a moment of distress, he called Jerome for help to chase down the thieves.
Jerome responded to his brother's call, and a foot chase ensued through an open field in the 4600 block of East Boston. During the pursuit, one of the suspects, Orlando Howard, opened fire, striking Jerome multiple times. The suspects then fled the scene, leaving Jerome gravely wounded in the field. When authorities arrived, they discovered his body. Despite the immediate medical aid provided by first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Wichita Police Department's investigation into the homicide quickly identified the incident as drug-related. Their efforts led to the arrest of four individuals. The investigation revealed that Pierce Andre Jackson, Marcus L. Lamar, Tairyce Ateviann Jones, and Orlando Howard were all involved in the robbery and subsequent murder. Howard was identified as the shooter.
All four suspects were eventually brought to justice. Pierce Jackson, Tairyce Jones, and Marcus Lamar all pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated robbery. Orlando Howard, the gunman, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and aggravated robbery. The sentences for the four men varied, with Orlando Howard receiving a sentence of 13 years and 9 months, and Pierce Jackson receiving 18 years in prison for their roles in the events that led to Jerome Armbeck's death.
