Palm Coast, Florida – After a four-day trial last week, Marcus Avery Chamblin was found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Deon O’Neal Jenkins. The jury deliberated for only 48 minutes before reaching a verdict. Chamblin was also convicted of attempted second-degree murder and shooting into an occupied vehicle in the incident that took place at a Circle K in Palm Coast.
The prosecution, led by Assistant State Attorneys Jason Lewis and Mark Johnson, presented compelling evidence that implicated Chamblin in the murder. Witnesses testified to Chamblin’s involvement in the shooting, and forensic evidence linked him to the crime scene. Despite the defense’s efforts to cast doubt on the investigation, the jury ultimately found Chamblin guilty on all charges.
Jenkins’s mother was emotional upon hearing the verdict, while Chamblin showed little reaction. Circuit Judge Terence Perkins sentenced Chamblin to life in prison for the murder, along with additional years for the other charges. Chamblin, who has been in custody since January 2021, was 25 at the time of the murder.
During the trial, the defense attempted to shift blame onto another individual, Jarod Humphrey, claiming that he was the actual killer. However, prosecutors presented a strong case against Chamblin, highlighting his motive and connection to the weapon used in the crime. The evidence, including DNA, surveillance footage, and social media messages, pointed to Chamblin as the perpetrator.
Throughout the trial, both the prosecution and defense delivered impassioned closing arguments. The defense raised concerns about the police investigation, alleging that law enforcement had targeted Chamblin unfairly. However, the prosecution emphasized the substantial evidence that pointed to Chamblin’s guilt, urging the jury to consider the facts presented during the trial.
In the end, the jury’s decision to convict Chamblin reflected their confidence in the prosecution’s case. The trial highlighted the importance of thorough investigations and the role of forensic evidence in securing convictions. The outcome served as a form of closure for Jenkins’s family and friends, who had waited for justice since the tragic events of that fateful day.