FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2026
MOBILE, Alabama –Deangelo Merrill was sentenced Wednesday afternoon for the 2021 killing of retired veteran James Jones, Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood announced.
Judge Brooks sentenced Merrill to life in prison for Reckless Manslaughter, life without the possibility of parole for Burglary First Degree, and life in prison for Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Pistol.
A Mobile County jury convicted Merrill on June 10, 2026. Evidence presented at trial showed that on June 29, 2021, Merrill kicked in the door of Jones’ home and fatally shot him. 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 forced his way into the home of Jones, who had no involvement in Coleman’s death.
“This is a just sentence for a man whose deliberate pursuit of revenge took the life of a completely innocent person,” said District Attorney Keith Blackwood. “Deangelo Merrill armed himself, forced his way into a home where he had no right to be, and killed James Jones—a man who was not even the person he was looking for. Mr. Jones should still be alive. This sentence ensures Merrill will never again be free to bring this kind of violence into our community.”
The State was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Coy Morgan and Danni Ferris and Victim Services Officer Leigha Arthur.