Demethic Dequan Warren, a 42-year-old man from Saginaw, Michigan, was fatally shot on May 23, 2021. The incident that led to his death began when his niece called him for help after allegedly being assaulted at a party.
Warren picked up his niece and drove to the house where the alleged assailant, Johnnie L. Jackson III, was located. An altercation ensued between Warren and Johnnie Jackson. During the confrontation, Johnnie's brother, Delvon M. Jackson, arrived at the scene. Accounts of what transpired next differ. Prosecutors argued that after an initial scuffle, Warren punched Johnnie Jackson, knocking him to the ground, and was then shot by Delvon Jackson.
However, the defense presented a different version of events. They claimed Warren was the aggressor, arriving at the scene armed with multiple knives and attacking Johnnie Jackson. Delvon Jackson testified that he saw Warren punch his brother, pull out a knife, and stand over him. Believing his brother's life was in danger, Delvon Jackson stated he shot Warren in self-defense. Police recovered five knives from the scene, including two from Warren's vehicle.
Following an investigation, both Delvon and Johnnie Jackson were arrested. Delvon Jackson was charged with open murder, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, carrying a concealed weapon, and two counts of felony firearm. Johnnie Jackson faced charges of open murder and felony firearm as well. In a turn of events before Delvon's trial, Johnnie Jackson pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of accessory after the fact to a felony. In August 2022, a jury acquitted Delvon Jackson of all charges, finding that the shooting was a justified act of self-defense.
