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The Wilmington Police Department is sharing the below release, which was issued today by the Delaware Department of Justice, regarding a conviction in connection with a 2020 murder investigation:

Prosecutors, WPD secure conviction in 2020 killing

A Wilmington man has pleaded guilty to an East Wilmington killing. Nehemiah Jackson, 21, will serve 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to Manslaughter and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony for the murder of Kavai Martin. 

“Wilmington PD did incredible work with a difficult investigation to bring Kavai Martin’s killer to justice,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “While we can never replace what Mr. Martin’s family lost, I hope that this conviction helps bring a degree of closure to them after three harrowing years. I’m grateful to our prosecutors and to the detective working on this case. Their tenacity is helping families find peace and is helping to drive gun violence down in our state.” 

Since 2021, gun violence in Delaware has been reduced by 30% statewide, including a 50% decline in summer shootings and a 60% reduction in Wilmington homicides. 

“I am proud of the work of our investigators, and the collaboration with prosecutors, that resulted in this plea and sentencing,” said Chief Wilfredo Campos. “We hope this will bring some measure of comfort to the victim’s family and the community, and will also underscore our relentless efforts to deliver Justice on behalf of victims of crime.” 

On the afternoon of July 27, 2020, patrols officers from Wilmington Police Department responded to a 911 call to find Kavai Martin shot in the neck and unconscious on East 12^th Street. Martin was treated for his injuries and placed on life support for nearly two years before passing away in North Carolina in February of 2022. Over the course of a three-year investigation, Wilmington Police Department was able to identify Nehemiah Jackson, 21, as Martin’s shooter. Jackson, who is already serving a prison sentence from a 2020 gun charge, pleaded guilty on September 11 to Manslaughter and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, both Class B Violent Felonies. 

Jackson’s plea was secured by Deputy Attorneys General Ipek Kurul and Isaac Rank with the assistance of Paralegal Jaime Prater.  DOJ Social Worker Crystal Pitts and Wilmington Police Department Victim Services Supervisor Stephanie Hamilton played an integral role in the investigation through their tireless efforts to support and comfort the Martin family through tragic loss.  The investigation into Kavai Martin’s murder was led by Det. Brandon Mosley of the Wilmington Police Department.