WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Malik Jones was found guilty of first-degree murder under both premeditation and felony murder on Thursday, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Later that same day, he was sentenced to life in prison by Judge Augustus Willis.

The state rested its case on Wednesday.

Jones is charged with the murder of 20-year-old Jakai Dekine. On June 25, 2022, police responded to the 1500 block of S 11 Street and found Dekine suffering from a gunshot wound. He succumbed to his injuries on the scene.

Jones was arrested on June 28, 2022, and charged with first-degree murder, discharging a firearm in an enclosure, and discharging a firearm in city limits.

The trial for Jones began on Monday, July 22.

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