Hearing for Dove Drive murder suspect delayed for third time

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

One of the men charged for a deadly 2023 shooting on Dove Drive in Columbia had a hearing pushed back for the third time on Friday.

Jajuan Crockett appeared by video from the Department of Corrections.

Crockett's attorney, Andrew Garnett, told Judge Brouck Jacobs he needs to meet with Crockett in-person to discuss the details of the potential plea deal. Garnett said he plans to go to the South Central Correctional Center in Licking, Missouri, to see Crockett on Thursday.

Garnett asked Crockett during Friday's hearing whether he wants to go to trial.

"I don't think you want your case set for trial at this point, is that correct, Jajuan?" Garnett asked.

"Yea, that's correct," Crockett replied.

Assistant Boone County Prosecutor Tony Gonzalez said he does not want the case to go to trial because all negotiations would be off the table. Gonzalez said the state has been ready with a plea.

"Rightfully so, he wanted to understand the provisions before he entered the plea, but we were ready to go each time and they announced the plea, so there are a few matters they have to decide, would be my guess," Gonzalez said.

The delay comes after a plea hearing on March 14 was postponed due to a phone outage at the Department of Corrections, which prevented Garnett from discussing details of the possible plea deal with Crockett.

The initial plea hearing, scheduled for March 7, was also delayed after Garnett requested more time to review the details of the potential deal with Crockett.

Crockett is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree vehicle tampering, accessory to stealing a gun, stealing $750 or more and tampering with evidence. He is being held in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Crockett, along with six other men, is charged for shooting and killing Deshon Houston on Dove Drive in Columbia in June 2023. Houston was shot outside of a home in the 3200 block of Dove Drive in broad daylight.

All seven men were charged with first-degree murder after having their charges upgraded from second-degree murder. Three of the men have pleaded guilty.

Bryton Allen pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon in June 2024. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was also sentenced to four years in prison in November 2023 for another case.

Alqueze Jones pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in November 2024. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Deljuan Turner also pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in November 2024. Judge Josh Devine sentenced him to 20 years in prison. He was accused of being one of multiple suspects firing from two vehicles on Dove Drive.

Ja'Shaun Barney had his charge upgraded to first-degree murder in May 2024. He's charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree vehicle tampering. Barney is due in court at 8:30 a.m. Monday.

Damarkus Williams, another man charged in Houston's death, also had his charge upgraded to first-degree murder. He is also charged with unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. He is due in court on April 28 at 8:30 a.m.

Deazes Turner, 22, of Columbia, saw his murder charge upgraded to first-degree murder in November. He is due in court 9 a.m. Monday at the Boone County Courthouse. Turner is also charged with two counts of unlawful use of a weapon for Houston's death.