MURDER USA: Jury Convicted Keishon Javontae Thompson, 20, of the First-Degree Murder of J’Shaun Wallace, 19

KEISHON JAVONTAE THOMPSON FACES LIFE IN PRISON FOR TAKING A LIFE WHEN ROBBING A VICTIM OF A PAIR OF SHOES

THE PROSECUTOR

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Friday, March 24, 2023, a Charles County jury, after a 5-day trial, and 3 hours of deliberation, convicted Keishon Javontae Thompson, 20, of the First-Degree Murder of J’Shaun Wallace, 19, as well as related weapon charges.

The victim was attending college to learn a trade while working at UPS, and the killer was practicing his trade as a dirtbag criminal.

On December 6, 2020, officers responded to the 2900 block of Business Park Drive in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located victim J’Shaun Wallace with a gunshot wound to the chest. Unfortunately, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene of the incident.

A review of Wallace’s cell phone, which was found at the scene of the crime, revealed text message exchanges between Thompson and Wallace indicating that the two had previously arranged for Thompson to purchase shoes from Wallace.

THE CRIME

On the day of the killing, Wallace and a friend arrived in front of a business located in the 2900 block of Business Park Drive at approximately 8:04 p.m. When Thompson arrived minutes later, he lured Wallace to the back of the building. Surveillance footage captured Wallace handing shoe insoles to Thompson. Shortly thereafter, Thompson is seen on the video producing a handgun from the waistband of his pants. Thompson then shot Wallace once, striking him in the chest. Thompson appeared to make another attempt to shoot Wallace but was unsuccessful.

Wallace’s friend, who remained in his car to wait for Wallace, heard the gunshot, got out of his car, and found Wallace collapsed on the ground. He then called 911. Thompson fled the area before police officers arrived.  

During the investigation, a search and seizure warrant was conducted at Thompson’s residence. Clothing was found that was consistent with what the suspect was wearing on the surveillance video. When arrested for this crime, Thompson made admissions of guilt to detectives investigating the incident.

A sentencing date has been set for May 15, 2023.

THE VERDICT

Guilty

• First-Degree Murder
• Use of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime of Violence
• Possession of a Regulated Firearm Being Under 21
• Loaded Handgun on Person
• Wear, Carry, and Transport of a Handgun Upon Their Person

THE ARREST

Detectives Arrest Suspect in Homicide Case on Business Park Court: Charles County Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested Keishon Javontae Thompson, 18, of Waldorf, in connection with the murder of J’Shaun Wallace, 19, who was shot and killed on December 6, 2020, in the 2500 block of Business Park Court in Waldorf.

THE VICTIM

J’Shaun Jarril Wallace, a son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend, was born on January 12, 2001, in Clinton, Maryland. On Sunday, December 6, 2020, J’Shaun departed this life and entered eternal rest as Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior, received him into Heaven.  He is the beloved son of LaKisha Thompson and Jerril Wallace. 

He had a passion for playing basketball at an early age.  He played with the Park and Recreation league yearly.  He was also a member of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), where he was given the number 3.  As time went on, J’Shaun became a more skilled player and joined the Junior Varsity and Varsity Basketball teams in High School, where his friend bestowed the name “3 way” upon him. 

J’Shaun received his formal education through Charles County Maryland Public School system and was a graduate of Thomas Stone High School Class of 2019.  He was an outstanding student-athlete who was determined to be successful in all his endeavors.  He was an honor roll student throughout the years.  He was enrolled as a student at the College of Southern Maryland, pursuing his certification in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Additionally, he was an employee of United Parcel Service.  His desire was to make his family proud, and he did just that!

J’Shaun was humble and very well-mannered.  He was reserved and respectful, as “yes ma’am and no sir” were often used while addressing others.  He was an excellent role model for his younger brothers and was loved by everyone. He enjoyed spending time and celebrating the holidays with family members and friends.

His life legacy and memories will be cherished by his loving and devoted parents, LaKisha Thompson and Jerril Wallace; father in love, Demony Greenfield; siblings, Cedric Gatei and Demari Greenfield; grandparents, Paulette and Mark Thompson and Reverends Janette and Cyril Yates; great grandparents, Louise and Charles Proctor; aunts, Alice Proctor, Nicole Middleton and Janae Yates; uncle Charles Proctor, Jr; godparents, Evelyn Jupiter, Alice Proctor, Jahmal Green and James Capers; childhood friends, Justin Purvis, Isaiah Purvis, and Cameron Chesley.  J’Shaun has a host of aunts, uncles, other relatives, and friends.

THE LOCATION OF THE MURDER

After pursuing leads in the case, detectives identified Thompson as a suspect and obtained an arrest warrant. Detectives, with the assistance of the US Marshals Task Force and the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, located Thompson on December 10 in Bel Air, MD. A preliminary investigation showed Thompson shot Wallace, who was known to him, during the sale of shoes. Thompson was charged with first-degree murder and other related charges.