In the late hours of March 17, 2017, the life of 21-year-old Jamarcus Townsend of Newton, Mississippi, was tragically cut short. Just before midnight, gunshots erupted in front of a house on Tillman Street. When police arrived, they found Townsend deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. The investigation that followed would unravel a story of deep-seated gang rivalry and a calculated act of violence.
Authorities determined that Townsend's death was the result of an ongoing and violent
conflict between two local gangs. Townsend was affiliated with the 'Vice Lords,' who had a long-standing feud with the 'Black Disciples.' Investigators believe that on the night of the murder, members of the Black Disciples, including Richard Lofton, Jordan Myers, and Robbie Chapman, armed themselves with a sawed-off shotgun and a 9mm handgun with the specific intent of finding and killing Townsend.
The extensive investigation led to a series of arrests, with at least eight individuals facing charges related to the murder. Lyndell Jones, Robbie Chapman, and Richard Lofton were identified as the primary suspects who allegedly fired the fatal shots and were charged with murder. Others were charged with conspiracy and for their roles after the crime. Robert Bender, Ashton Thompson, and Devon Thompson faced charges of accessory after the fact for allegedly helping to dispose of evidence. Darron Thames and Jessica Powers were also implicated as accessories.
The legal proceedings brought some measure of justice for Townsend's family. Jordan Myers and Richard Lofton both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and were each sentenced to 20 years, with 18 to be served in prison. Robbie Dontay Chapman pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter and also received a 20-year sentence. Ashton Thompson was found guilty of accessory to murder after the fact and was sentenced to 20 years, with two years suspended. Jessica Powers pleaded guilty to being an accessory and received a five-year sentence in exchange for her testimony. The conviction of Darron Thames for accessory after the fact to murder was later upheld by the Mississippi State Supreme Court.
