Jamarcus Simpson Pleads No Contest in Palm Bay Christmas Day Double Murder Case

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison

Palm Bay, FL - In a significant development in the tragic Christmas Day 2022 double homicide case, defendant Jamarcus Javion Simpson, now 18, has pleaded no contest to reduced charges. Simpson, along with co-defendant Juan Contis Shuren Jr., was accused of killing 16-year-old Travon Anthony and 14-year-old Jeremiah Brown in the area known as “The Compound” in Palm Bay.

On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, Simpson entered a plea of no contest to two counts of attempted second-degree murder with enhancement and one count of robbery with a firearm. The plea deal caps his potential sentence at 20 years in prison, a significant reduction from the life sentence he could have faced if convicted of the original first-degree premeditated murder charges.

The case took a surprising turn when Simpson’s defense attorney, Christopher Beres, filed a motion to admit statements allegedly made by co-defendant Shuren to his friends. According to the motion, Shuren confessed to shooting and killing both Anthony and Brown, potentially exculpating Simpson. The motion cites Florida’s hearsay exception rule, arguing that Shuren’s statements are admissible as they were made voluntarily to friends without coercion and tend to implicate Shuren while exonerating Simpson.

Beres’ motion asserts that a witness, Ms. Giah Shack, overheard Shuren confessing to shooting Anthony in the head when he came out of the woods and then chasing and shooting Brown as he tried to run away. Shuren allegedly claimed he obtained the gun from his stepfather and even specified the type of weapon used.

If the court allows Shuren’s alleged confessional statements as evidence, it could significantly impact the case against Simpson. The defense appears to be pursuing a strategy of shifting the blame solely onto Shuren, using his own words to argue Simpson’s innocence.

Simpson’s sentencing is expected to take place following a status hearing on April 9th. The plea deal brings some resolution to the case that has gripped the Palm Bay community since the tragic events unfolded on Christmas Day 2022.

As for co-defendant Juan Shuren Jr., his case remains ongoing, with legal proceedings expected to continue in the coming months. The families of the victims, Travon Anthony and Jeremiah Brown, continue to grapple with their devastating loss as they seek justice and closure.

The Palm Bayer will provide updates on this case as further developments unfold, including the court’s decision on the admissibility of Shuren’s alleged confessional statements and the final outcome of Simpson’s sentencing hearing.

Below is the document accepted by the court in the no contest plea. Simpson has been adjudicated guilty, without admitting guilt.