George Assaf, a 66-year-old White male, was tragically killed on September 22, 2015, in his place of business, Stanley's Meat Market, in Flint, Michigan. Originally from Syria, Assaf was a beloved figure in his community, remembered by family and customers as a kind and respectful man. His violent death sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, leaving many to mourn the loss of a man described as a friend to all who knew him.
On that Tuesday afternoon, a man entered the market and
confronted Assaf in the clerk's area. The assailant, captured on the store's surveillance footage, shot Assaf multiple times during what appeared to be a robbery. After initially leaving, the gunman returned to shoot Assaf again, this time in the head, before stealing money from the cash register and taking some cigars. The brutal nature of the crime left the community in disbelief and mourning.
The investigation swiftly led police to a suspect, Jawone Laquan Watkins. He was found wearing clothing that matched the description of the gunman seen in the surveillance video and was in possession of cash and cigars. The murder weapon was discovered outside a residence where Watkins had been seen by police. Further cementing the case against him, Watkins' DNA was found on the gun's holster and a t-shirt used by the perpetrator.
Watkins was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree felony murder, armed robbery, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. During his trial, he initially confessed to the murder, citing disrespect from Assaf towards his mother as a motive, but later recanted, claiming his confession was coerced. Despite his changing story, a jury found Jawone Laquan Watkins guilty on all charges. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the senseless murder of George Assaf.
