Arlington Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the October 13 shooting death of Jarrell Thornton, age 27. Following a detailed investigation, homicide detectives issued warrants for 21-year-old Armontay Valencia, 20-year-old Keontay Martin, and 21-year-old Jaden Davidson, each charged with one count of murder.
On October 25, U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Valencia in Mesquite. Martin was arrested in Dallas on October 29, and Davidson was taken into custody on November 11 in Arlington during a traffic stop.
Detectives believe the suspects went to an apartment complex in the 2100 block of Wilcrest Drive intending to purchase drugs from Thornton. After the transaction, Martin allegedly pulled out a gun, shooting Thornton multiple times. Thornton, who was inside his 2011 Ford Edge, reportedly attempted to drive away but soon became unresponsive and collided with parked cars before the vehicle came to a stop.
Responding to 911 calls of gunfire, officers discovered Thornton slumped over in his vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
Investigators initially had limited leads. However, two days later, a witness informed East Patrol officers that they had been with Martin near the crime scene and overheard him admit to killing someone. Another witness confirmed this information and placed Valencia, Martin, and Davidson at the scene.
Ballistic and digital forensic investigations are still underway. Davidson remains in Arlington City Jail, while Valencia and Martin have been transferred to Tarrant County Jail.
