Justice Served: Second Man Sentenced in St. Paul Shooting Death
A second St. Paul man was sentenced to prison this week in connection with the November 2024 murder of a 24-year-old man who authorities said was shot dead after being followed and “hunted.” The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the devastating consequences of violence and jealousy. Dejaun Hemphill, 24, was with two cousins when he was shot near University Avenue and Rice Street on Nov. 5, 2024. Authorities said he and his cousins were being followed by two men, but were unaware they were being “hunted.”
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Kenneth E. Terry, 19, was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years in prison as part of a plea agreement that also ordered him to submit a DNA sample. He pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree murder. Jehovah M. Nelson, 20, was sentenced earlier in December to more than 12 years in prison under the terms of his plea agreement. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder without intent. The sentences bring a measure of closure to the family and friends of the victim, but also serve as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing the root causes of violence in our communities.
A woman who was previously in a relationship with Terry reported that she had been hanging out with one of Hemphill’s cousins’ younger brothers, which was making Terry jealous. She said Terry had been bragging about Hemphill’s murder on social media, according to a criminal complaint. Hemphill died at the hospital on Nov. 15. The investigation and subsequent sentencing of the two men involved have been widely reported, with many calling for greater awareness and education on the dangers of jealousy and violence.
Kenneth E. Terry, left, and Jehovah M. Nelson (Courtesy of the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office)
Investigation and Evidence
Surveillance video showed the shooter was wearing a white mask like the killer character Michael Myers wears in the “Halloween” movies. A similar mask was later found in a vehicle associated with the two men, the complaint said. The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office originally charged Nelson with second-degree murder and Terry with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. Both were 18 at the time of the shooting. The thorough investigation and collection of evidence have been praised by law enforcement officials and community leaders, who emphasize the importance of cooperation and justice in such cases.
Nelson was also charged with two counts of attempted murder of Hemphill’s cousins who were with him; those charges were dismissed as part of his plea agreement. Terry’s additional charges of second-degree attempted murder also were dismissed as part of his plea agreement. As the community continues to heal and reflect on this tragic event, it is essential to recognize the value of responsible reporting and the role of media in shedding light on critical issues. For more information on this case and others like it, visit Here
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