Wilmington man found guilty of first-degree murder in 2022 case

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Malik Jones was found guilty of first-degree murder under both both premeditation and felony murder on Thursday, where he also received a life sentence.

Jones is charged with the murder of 20-year-old Jakai Dekine after officers responded to the scene of the 1500 block of S 11 Street on June 25, 2022. Dekine died at the scene from his injuries. Jones was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, discharging a firearm in an enclosure, and discharging a firearm in city limits.

On Thursday, the defense made its closing arguments. The jury began on deliberations just after 3pm Thursday afternoon, taking just under three hours to find Jones guilty.