Gang Rivalry Ends in First Degree Murder Conviction

An altercation between rival gangs left one person dead and the other convicted of First Degree Murder. Prosecutor TaKisha Fitzgerald obtained convictions today against Jabriel Airece Linzy, 19, for First Degree Felony Murder, Attempted First Degree Murder, and Employing a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.

At trial, Fitzgerald explained to the jury that on October 4, 2014, around 10:15 A.M., Knoxville Police Department officers responded to a shooting in the Walter P. Taylor Homes. Investigator Jeremy Maupin relied on evidence at the scene and witness interviews to determine that Linzy, a member of the Rollin 60s Crips, had been feuding with the victim, Dominique Johnson, a member of a rival gang known as the Tree Top Pirus who are a subset of the Bloods street gang. The argument continued in person and on social media until October 4, when Linzy drove to Walter P. Taylor Homes, found Johnson standing on a porch at 2203 Bethel Avenue, and fired six shots from a .40 caliber handgun, killing Johnson and injuring a second victim, Devonte Blair. Proof at trial also showed that Linzy asked a witness if he should throw the gun in the river.

“Gang violence is a very real threat in our community, and we are attacking this problem as aggressively as we can,” said DA Charme Allen.”Gang members promise young people many things in order to join the gang, but in reality, gang membership only promises a trip to the penitentiary or the morgue.”

First Degree Felony Murder carries a mandatory life sentence with the possibility of parole after the Defendant serves fifty-one years in prison. At the sentencing hearing, the District Attorney’s Office will seek enhanced sentences for the other crimes for which Linzy was convicted to ensure this dangerous offender remains in prison.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.