Jakkari Sampson, a 24-year-old resident of Fairfield, California, was tragically shot and killed on Christmas Day, December 25, 2017. The incident occurred in downtown Fairfield, where Sampson was found lying in the street in the 1000 block of Second Street with a gunshot wound. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after. The shooting took place around 1:15 p.m., and several callers reported hearing a disturbance in the area.
The Fairfield Police Department immediately launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
The investigation into Sampson's death led to the arrest of Devin Khyree Lewis, who was charged with the fatal shooting. Lewis, 23 at the time, was accused of killing Sampson in an act that allegedly benefitted a criminal street gang. The case went to trial, but the initial proceedings ended in a mistrial due to the jury's inability to reach a unanimous verdict. Subsequently, Lewis entered a plea deal, pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter. This plea allowed him to avoid a retrial and the possibility of being convicted of first-degree murder, which carries a much harsher penalty.
On November 14, 2023, Lewis was formally sentenced to 21 years in state prison for voluntary manslaughter. The sentence also included fines and restitution payments to the state Victim Compensation Board. During the sentencing, a victim-impact statement from Sampson's family was read, expressing their profound grief and the lasting impact of his loss on their lives. The family highlighted the emotional toll of losing Sampson, especially on Christmas, and the void left by his absence.
Throughout the trial, there were conflicting testimonies regarding the events leading up to the shooting. A witness to a fistfight that preceded the shooting provided testimony that was challenged by the defense as unreliable. Despite these challenges, the prosecution argued that Lewis had the intent and motive to commit the crime, ultimately leading to his conviction. Lewis remains in custody, awaiting transfer to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to serve his sentence.
