CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – The verdict is in. Jerome Jenkins has been found guilty on all charges in connection to the deadly Sunhouse robberies in 2015.
Jenkins was found guilty on Saturday on charges of murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery.
The second day of the trial moved quickly. After the state called on several witnesses to take the stand, including SLED forensic firearm identification specialist, Susanne Cromer, who studied the bullets found at the crime scene.
Cromer testified based on her studies, there were two guns used during the robbery of the Sunhouse convenience store and the murder of store employee, Bala Paruchuri.
The state then called Horry County police senior detective and lead investigator in the case, Gregory Lent to the stand.
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The jury listened to Jenkins’s voice during recorded police interviews that were conducted by Lent.
During the interview, Jenkins admits to being with Mckinley Daniels and James Daniels during the robbery and murder but claims the two brothers forced him to shoot.
After the state rested its case, the defense chose to not call on any witnesses, and Jenkins did not testify.
During closing arguments, the state told the jury that Jenkins worked as a team with both Daniels brothers to commit the armed robbery and murder of Bala Paruchuri.
“Who had the gun on who? (Jenkins) was in it from the beginning. McKinley Daniels is not behind him telling him what to do. He was an equal partner- all in,” Scott Hixson, Horry County Chief Deputy Solicitor said during closing arguments.
During the defense’s closing argument, Jenkins’s attorney reminded the jury that their client has never denied his guilt during the trial.
At the beginning of the trial, Jenkins admitted guilt to the jury. The defense said he did this because he wants a jury to determine his sentencing. According to state law, the only way a jury can sentence a defendant in a capital murder case is to go through the entire trial process.
“We spent basically a week picking you 16 to trust with JJ’s fate. That is why we’re here,” Brana Williams, one of Jenkins’s defense attorneys said during closing arguments.
The trial will now go into the sentencing phase where Jenkins potentially faces the death penalty.
Jenkins is the third and final person arrested in connection to the case.
Prosecutors say Jenkins worked as a team with two brothers, James Daniels and Mckinley Daniels, to commit the robberies and murders in 2015.
Last August, a jury found James Daniels guilty of murder and armed robbery in connection to the case, and he was sentenced to life without parole.
This January, Mckinley Daniels pleaded guilty to murder and armed robbery charges and is also serving a life sentence.
Count on News13 for updates.
