Witness emerges in case of shooting that killed 12-year-old

<p><span style="color:black"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.5pt">At Monday's pre-trial hearing, it emerged for the first time that police have a witness who will testify, if the case goes to trial, that he saw the alleged gunman pull the trigger.</span></span></span></p>

News 12 Staff

Sep 25, 2017, 10:07 PM

Updated 2,413 days ago

Share:

The man accused of killing a 12-year-old Hempstead girl by firing a bullet into her home appeared in court Monday for a pre-trial hearing, and new information on a witness in the case was revealed.
Jakwan Keller is charged with murder in the drive-by shooting that killed Dejah Joyner nearly two years ago. The child was sitting with her family when she was struck by the bullet that ended her young life.
Police say Keller is a member of the Bloods gang who fired the shot in retaliation for a stolen Hoverboard. Keller has pleaded not guilty.
At Monday's hearing, it emerged for the first time that police have a witness who will testify, if the case goes to trial, that he saw Keller pull the trigger.
Keller's defense attorney sought to cast doubt on the witness's claim and inferred that police had coerced it out him.
The judge is expected to hear more evidence Tuesday before deciding whether the witness's testimony is admissible.
Keller's father was in court for the hearing. He has maintained that his son is innocent.
Joyner's family did not want to talk on camera, but told News 12 that they pray every day for justice.


More from News 12
0:27
Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

2:20
Mostly dry, cloudy Saturday on Long Island; light rain Sunday

Mostly dry, cloudy Saturday on Long Island; light rain Sunday

0:21
State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

0:22
Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

1:06
‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

2:08
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 8 Long Island restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 8 Long Island restaurants

0:28
Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:58
Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

1:56
JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

2:39
Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

0:20
Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

0:25
Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

2:19
Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

2:11
Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?