FORT WAYNE, Ind. – A Fort Wayne man accused of shooting at three men on Christmas Eve is now facing a murder charge after one of the victims died from his injuries.
The shooting took place near the intersection of Hanna and Tillman Streets, where three men were in a car. One of the men was shot but remained in stable condition, while another man was not struck by the gunfire. However, 25-year-old Javion Grandberry suffered life-threatening injuries and passed away on Dec. 29.
The alleged shooter, 28-year-old Deondre Jones, was initially charged with three counts of attempted murder, but the charge has now been changed to one count of murder, along with two counts of attempted murder, one count of criminal recklessness, and a sentencing enhancement for using a gun in the alleged offense. These charges could lead to a possible sentence of more than 160 years.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the man who was not shot told police that the victims were leaving a location together just before the shooting, with no arguments or conflicts taking place. However, as the trio attempted to drive away, two cars blocked them in, and someone from the car behind them began shooting.
Police described the shooting as “coordinated and premeditated” after viewing surveillance footage from the area at the time of the incident. No court dates have been scheduled in this case.
The death of Javion Grandberry has resulted in a change of charges for the accused shooter, Deondre Jones, who now faces a murder charge in addition to the initial attempted murder charges. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with no court dates scheduled as of now.