In the early morning hours of November 4, 2014, Rodney Burke, a 48-year-old Black male, was found inside his Trenton, New Jersey, apartment with multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. His death was the culmination of a life marked by vulnerability and exploitation. Diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 18, Burke was a known target for local criminals who repeatedly robbed him of his disability checks.
The investigation into Burke's murder revealed a plot to rob him that tragically escalated. Authorities determined that four individuals had conspired to commit the robbery. The plan turned deadly when one of the assailants shot Burke.
In the weeks and months that followed, law enforcement made several arrests in connection with the case.
Three suspects were eventually apprehended and brought to justice for their roles in the senseless crime. Jaquan Dallas, identified as the shooter, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and received a 25-year prison sentence. Another accomplice, Alexandria Gomez, also pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and was sentenced to 15 years. The getaway driver, Kenneth Hines, pleaded guilty to armed robbery and was sentenced to 17 years in prison. A fourth suspect involved in the deadly plot was never identified or captured.
