Darryon Cephas fatally shot Curtis Jones in the neck while Jones was in the driver's seat of his car

Baltimore, Md. (January 5, 2024) - Today, Darryon Cephas was sentenced to Life plus 30 years of incarceration for the fatal shooting of Curtis Jones outside of a Marathon Gas Station on W. Mulberry Street and assaulting Jones' companion. A jury convicted the defendant in July of 2023 of the following charges:

First Degree Murder
First Degree Assault
Use of a Handgun in the Commission of a Crime of Violence (2 counts)
Possession of a Firearm by a Disqualified Person

Assistant State's Attorney Alyssa Ragland prosecuted this case

"Today, justice has been served in the case of the fatal shooting of Curtis Jones. Our prosecutors, in collaboration with law enforcement partners, have secured a sentence of life plus 30 years of incarceration for the individual responsible for this heinous act. This outcome underscores our unwavering commitment to holding those who threaten the safety of our community accountable for their actions. The sentence reflects the severity of the crime and sends a clear message that acts of violence will not be tolerated in Baltimore," said State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to the dedicated prosecutors who worked tirelessly on this case, the investigators who diligently gathered evidence, and the witnesses who bravely came forward to ensure justice prevailed. Your collective efforts have not only secured accountability for the victims and their families but have also reinforced our commitment to creating a safer and more just Baltimore for all."

On June 15, 2022, at approximately 3:52 a.m., the Baltimore Police Department's Central District received a call for a shooting at the Marathon Gas Station located at 427 W. Mulberry Street. Upon arrival, a BPD officer was directed by citizens to the victim, Curtis Jones, who was unresponsive and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the neck while sitting in the driver's seat of a Toyota Avalon. Jones was transported to Shock Trauma, where, despite lifesaving efforts, he was pronounced deceased at 4:14 a.m.  

Surveillance footage showed Curtis Jones pulling into the gas station at 3:36 a.m. Jones and another man exited the vehicle and went into the store. At approximately 3:50 a.m., the suspect can be seen riding a scooter on the gas station lot. The suspect then entered the gas station to make a purchase. There did not appear to be any words exchanged between the suspect and Jones or the other male. Jones and his friend exited the store about a minute before the suspect. Jones then got into the driver's seat of the vehicle. At approximately 3:55 a.m., the suspect can be seen opening a backpack to retrieve a handgun; the other male began to walk towards the suspect, who then pointed the gun directly at him. The male was able to take off running, and the suspect chased him before going up to the vehicle and firing into the driver-side window, striking Jones in the neck. The suspect then fled on foot westbound on Mulberry Street.  

Through the course of the investigation, police were able to identify Darryon Cephas as the individual who shot and killed Mr. Jones in the surveillance video.