In the early hours of April 13, 2013, a party at A&E Auto Repair in Machipongo, Virginia, turned tragic, ending the life of 23-year-old Jessie Leon Jordan. The lively gathering descended into chaos around 2:00 a.m. when gunshots rang out. In the ensuing pandemonium, Jordan was shot. A neighbor at the scene transported him to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, but his injuries proved fatal. He was a young man with a future ahead of him, engaged to be married to his high school sweetheart and described as a good father.
The investigation into the shooting moved swiftly, and within two weeks, on April 26, 2013, a coordinated effort by the Northampton County Sheriff's Office, Accomack County Sheriff's Office, Virginia State Police, FBI, and DEA led to the apprehension of three men from Tasley, Virginia. The suspects were identified as Devon Thomas Blake, Durell Marion Fitchett, and Deleon Kinte Fitchett. They faced serious charges, including Malicious Assault by Mob with Intent to Maim, Disfigure, or Kill, and second-degree murder.
As the case proceeded through the legal system, a clearer picture of the events of that night emerged. The incident was characterized as a violent altercation that escalated at the alcohol-fueled party. The confrontation reportedly began when an intoxicated Jordan head-butted Devon Blake, sparking a physical fight. During the struggle, the lights in the auto shop went out, and a single gunshot was fired. In addition to being shot, Jordan was also beaten by his assailants.
The legal proceedings brought a measure of resolution, though the charges for the three men were ultimately handled differently. Durell Marion Fitchett entered a no-contest plea to second-degree murder, and in exchange, charges of murder by mob and gang violence were dropped. Deleon Kinte Fitchett pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of malicious wounding, with other charges against him also being dropped. Devon Thomas Blake saw his charges significantly reduced to misdemeanor assault and battery, and he was subsequently released on bond.
