FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2026
MOBILE, Alabama – A Mobile County jury has found Deangelo Merrill guilty of Reckless Manslaughter, Burglary First Degree, and Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Pistol in the 2021 death of James Jones, announced District Attorney Keith Blackwood.
Evidence presented at trial showed that on June 29, 2021, Merrill kicked in the door of the home of James Jones, a retired veteran, and fatally shot him. The evidence further established that Merrill was seeking Henry Stephenson, whom he blamed for the earlier death of Breonte Coleman. Acting out of retaliation, Merrill went to the wrong residence and forcibly entered Jones’ home. Jones, who had no involvement in Coleman’s death, was killed during the encounter.
Merrill was originally charged with Murder. Following deliberations, the jury returned a verdict finding him guilty of the lesser-included offense of Reckless Manslaughter, along with Burglary First Degree and Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Pistol.
District Attorney Keith Blackwood issued the following statement:
James Jones was an innocent man who lost his life because Deangelo Merrill chose to take the law into his own hands. Merrill acted on anger and retaliation, forcing his way into a home where he had no right to be and killing a man who had done nothing wrong. No disagreement, grievance, or desire for revenge justifies this kind of violence. Today’s verdict brings accountability for Mr. Jones’ death and closes a painful chapter for his family.
The State was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Coy Morgan and Danni Ferris, Trial Coordinator Haley Landry, and Victim Services Officer Leigha Arthur.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 21, 2026.