Deon Jawan Peatross, a 22-year-old male, was fatally shot on January 6, 2019, in Axton, Virginia. The incident was the culmination of a heated family argument that tragically escalated to violence.
Responding to a call, deputies from the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office arrived at a residence on Axton Road to find Peatross suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The investigation into the shooting quickly identified a suspect, Shadji Martin, who was the victim's cousin. Martin was taken into custody and subsequently charged with second-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Evidence presented during legal proceedings indicated that a verbal altercation between Peatross and Martin had spiraled out of control. During the argument, Martin retrieved a firearm and shot Peatross. In March 2020, Shadji Martin pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and a firearm charge. He was sentenced to a total of 13 years in prison, with five years suspended, for his role in the death of his cousin.
