Crime
Daveyonne Howard Sentenced to 40 Years for Murder of 11-Year-Old Darius “DJ” Dugas
Daveyonne Howard, a 22-year-old Houston man, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the tragic 2022 shooting death of 11-year-old Darius “DJ” Dugas, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.
The incident occurred on February 3, 2022, during a severe winter storm at an apartment complex in northeast Harris County. DJ had gone to his family’s car to retrieve his jacket when Howard, who was breaking into another vehicle nearby, was confronted by the car’s owner. In a panic, Howard opened fire, aiming at the car owner. Tragically, DJ was struck in the chest by one of the bullets.
Emergency responders rushed DJ to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. Days later, Howard was apprehended and charged with murder. Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to the charges.
During a punishment hearing, Howard was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Under Texas law, he will be required to serve at least 20 years of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
“DJ’s life was stolen in a senseless act of violence, and today justice was served for his family,” said District Attorney Kim Ogg.
Crime
Two Children, Ages 9 and 10, Charged in Brutal Assault and Attempted Murder of 5-Year-Old A’Marie Jones in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Two children, ages 9 and 10, have been formally charged in connection with the brutal assault and attempted murder of a 5-year-old girl A’marie Jones in Cleveland last month, according to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors confirmed that the 9-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl are facing serious felony charges, including attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation.
Because of their ages, both suspects are being charged as juveniles.
The alleged attack occurred on September 13 in a field near East 148th Street and St. Clair Avenue, where investigators say the young victim was discovered severely injured.
The child’s mother, Antavia Kennibrew, previously told that her daughter suffered catastrophic injuries, describing the scene as “unbelievable.” Kennibrew said she had dropped her daughter off at a relative’s home near East 145th Street and St. Clair Avenue that day.
At some point, the 5-year-old reportedly wandered out of the house alone before being attacked.
“When I saw her, she was unrecognizable,” Kennibrew said. “Her hair was scalped from her head. She had bruises and blood all over her body. Her eyes were filled with blood, her lips and mouth were swollen and bleeding, and her nails were filled with dirt and debris.”
First responders rushed the child to the hospital for emergency treatment. Officials say she continues to recover but has suffered severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. She is now undergoing ongoing therapy and counseling.
Due to the extreme sensitivity of the case and the involvement of minors, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect the victim’s privacy.
“The investigation remains active,” prosecutors said, noting that authorities are still reviewing evidence and gathering additional information.
Kennibrew says her focus now is on helping her daughter heal:
“I just want her to be able to live like a normal 5-year-old again.”
Cleveland police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.