Two brothers were convicted in connection with the death of Ronnetta Martin. A Kern County jury found Jahquan Davenport guilty of first-degree murder and arson for killing Martin and burning her car to destroy evidence. His brother, Jaysean Davenport, was acquitted of murder but convicted of arson for helping cover up the crime. A third co-defendant, Antone James, was acquitted of both charges. The jury also found several aggravating factors and prior strike offenses true for both brothers. The case was prosecuted by Deputy DA Leanne Wilder.
In July 2022, Martin allowed the defendants to stay at her apartment and gave them rides. On August 1, 2022, after telling Jahquan Davenport they had to move out, an argument broke out in her car as she drove home. Jahquan, seated behind her, shot her in the back of the head, then drove to the Mojave Desert and disposed of the victim’s body. While disposing of her body in the desert, he poured juice over the body to attract animals. Jahquan kept the vehicle and went to pick up his brother, Jaysean Davenport in Lancaster. The two defendants then drove Ronnetta’s car, covered in her blood from the murder, down to Inglewood, CA. In Inglewood, the defendants abandoned her car on a residential street and set it on fire.
Investigators determined that the defendants were among the last people seen with Martin and were captured on surveillance near the vehicle during the arson. Jaysean was seen fleeing with lighter fluid. Though there was enough evidence suggesting a conspiracy among all defendants to commit the murder, the jury’s verdict placed responsibility for the murder solely upon Jahquan Davenport, who fired the shot that killed Ronnetta.
DA Zimmer commented; “Jahquan and Jaysean Davenport went to great lengths in an effort to conceal a murder and destroy evidence. This crime crossed county lines and required a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation. Thanks to the relentless dedication of law enforcement and prosecutors, this verdict delivers accountability and honors the life and memory of Ronnetta Martin.”
Sentencing is set for April 1, 2026. Jahquan Davenport faces 50 years to life plus 11 years in prison, while Jaysean Davenport faces up to 11 years