Texas Murder Trial: Brothers Charged in Fatal Shooting

Jarkell Jaamal Dean and Willie Dean will face a jury this week after being accused of killing 18-year-old VaQuintin Carlin Maestre in Killeen, Texas, over a year ago, according to KDH. The brothers were both indicted on May 31, 2023, on first-degree felony murder charges. Jury selection will begin on the 27th at the Judicial District Court, with Judge Debbie Garrett presiding, according to the court coordinator's office.

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Two Brothers in Texas Go to Court for Murder Charges in Fatal Shooting

VaQuintin Maestre, the 18-year-old victim, was shot and killed, and Jarkell Dean was arrested in connection with the crime on April 9, 2023. He was released on July 25, 2023, after posting bail set at $700,000. His brother, Willie Dean, was arrested in Mississippi and booked into the Bell County Jail two weeks later. His bond was initially set at $1 million but was later reduced to $200,000. As of Monday, Willie remained in custody.

Brothers Stand Trial in Texas for Alleged Murder in Shooting

The alleged shooting took place around 1:15 AM on April 8, 2023. Killeen police responded to a call reporting the incident in the parking lot of a business located on the 800 block of Atlas Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found VaQuintin Maestre deceased with multiple gunshot wounds, according to the arrest report. Surveillance footage from the business revealed that Maestre's vehicle was parked alone until a blue car pulled up next to it. Two men exited the blue vehicle and approached Maestre's car, where they exchanged words with the victim. The victim allegedly fired at least one shot toward one of the men, who was armed. Both brothers then allegedly fired back at Maestre. After the shooting, the two men fled the scene, and a third man exited the blue vehicle and walked away on foot.