PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — A judge granted bond Thursday to one of two men charged in the October shooting death of Danyelle Lee, 44, on Jefferson Street.
Torian Sexton, 19 and Jamel Jones, 27, both face first-degree murder charges in Lee’s death. Judge Jon Babineau granted Jones a $100,000 bond with $20,000 secured. Babineau ordered Sexton to remain in jail.
Two others were wounded in the incident, but survived.
Although both Sexton and Jones appeared together in Portsmouth General District Court, their cases are being tried separately. Both were continued to June 5 for different reasons.
Sexton is alleged to be one who shot and killed Lee as the men were playing dice. Defense attorney James Broccoletti said he needs a key video from the Commonwealth — “a video of the actual shooting itself indicating where individuals are, actions, gestures,” as he described it in an interview after Thursday’s hearing.
However, prosecutor Haille Hogfeldt said that video was furnished. A statement from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office said, in part:
“The Commonwealth was fully prepared to proceed today on the matters against defendant Torian Sexton, the alleged shooter in the case; however, the defense counsel was not fully prepared to go forward today and moved for a continuance, which the Court subsequently granted.”
Jones is alleged to be the getaway driver, but like Sexton, is charged with first-degree murder.
The judge, however, was unimpressed with the evidence against Jones.
“The strength of the Commonwealth’s case at this point in time is weak at best,” Babineau said.
“I agree 100%,” said Jones’ attorney Nathan Chapman. “That’s why I objected to the continuance, and I thought the charges should be dropped.”
Hogfeldt had told the court regarding the case against Jones: “The only thing directly tying Mr. Jones to this is the statement of the co-defendant.”
The Commonwealth is waiting for lab results, four months after the evidence was submitted, and the statement to WAVY said:
“These results are essential to evaluating the strength of that particular case and make prosecutorial determinations based on the totality of that evidence. Mr. Sexton remains in custody with no bond. The court did grant Mr. Jones a bond, over the Commonwealth’s objection.”
When Babineau granted bond to Jones, the victim’s mother shouted, “That’s crazy,” and stormed out of court.
Meanwhile, Jones’ mother said she understands.
“We respect [the Lee family’s] feelings,” said Shavonnia Hayes-Jones. “However, my son is innocent, and I’m gonna stand by my son.”
Both Sexton and Jones face numerous gun charges in addition to the murder charges.