Ja’Kelon Duval will spend at least 12 years in prison for the shooting death of 19-year-old Deionte Sparkman in May 2022.
GASTONIA, N.C. — A man pleaded guilty in connection with a deadly shooting in Gastonia three years ago, prosecutors said.
Ja’Kelon Duval pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the killing of 19-year-old Deionte Sparkman. He will spend at least 12 years in prison as part of the plea.
The shooting happened on Westwood Circle in May 2022. Gaston County paramedics found Sparkman suffering from a gunshot wound on May 16, 2022. He was taken to a nearby hospital but died from his injuries.
A second 19-year-old was injured during the incident. Police said the second victim was discovered after a friend drove him to the hospital. Duval was arrested a week after the shooting when he surrendered to police.
District Attorney Travis Page issued the following statement on the case Thursday:
“The State takes no satisfaction in today’s resolution of the case against Ja’Kelon Duval. In fact, it is a disgusting and reprehensible example of a long-standing problem becoming more and more prevalent: a community’s complicity with violence and murder.
Deionte Sparkman was shot on May 16, 2022 along with his “friend,” De’Michael Dee. Deionte Sparkman died, and his friend De’Michael lived to identify the shooter to police. However, in the months that followed, De’Michael Dee, refused to meet with law enforcement and prosecutors and evaded subpoenas. His friends and family helped as he abandoned his friend.
His actions are not alone. Many times our law enforcement and prosecutors encounter a refusal to cooperate. We have unsolved murders and weakened prosecutions because neighbors and friends lack the courage to stand for justice and accountability. They deny our victims justice.
However, this can change. There are more people in this community that care about safe neighborhoods than those who wish to inflict chaos and harm. We need you to make your voice heard, to share what you know, and to participate. Our community hangs in the balance.”
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