A major development in the Valentine’s Day murder of a Lewisville pawn shop owner. One man is now behind bars.
A man is in custody in connection with the murder of a Lewisville pawn shop owner.
Jatevon Marquise Johnson, 18, was taken into custody in Dallas by the Lewisville Police Department without incident Saturday evening, Feb. 25, and has been charged with murder, according to police.
Johnson is believed to be one of three people who attempted an armed robbery of the Lewisville Pawn Shop, located at 962 S. Mill Street, on Tuesday morning, Feb. 14.
Police said 54-year-old shop owner Daniel White was shot and killed during the robbery.
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“They were going to rob him and he held his ground. He told them, 'No, you’re not going to get nothing,'” said White’s father-in-law, Joe Gonzales, in an interview two weeks ago. “This was his livelihood since 16 years old, he was in this building. First with his father and then when his father passed away, he inherited it but it was his passion six days a week.”
Gonzales said White was shot in the chest. He also noted that the robbers didn't take any money or merchandise.
“I don’t understand their mentality,” said Gonzales. “They should have. There was no need for them to do that. They didn’t take nothing.”
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The news of the arrest of one of the suspects does bring a little relief to the community.
"It's a good thing that they caught the guy, but the tragedy already happened," said Ayman Armaood, who owns a car dealership behind the pawn store.
White leaves behind his wife, who was his high school sweetheart, family members, friends and customers who described him as a kind and helpful person.
The ongoing investigation continues as authorities search for additional suspects.
Lewisville Police said they were able to make the arrest with the help of Homeland Security Investigations: Gang & Violent Crime Task Force, Dallas Police Department Gang Unit, Dallas Police Department Fugitive Unit, the U.S. Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force, the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force and The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division.
If anyone has any information on the two other men wanted in White's murder they are asked to call the Lewisville Police Department Tip Line at 972-219-8477. Information also can be submitted anonymously by texting “TipLPD” to 847411, or can be submitted to Denton County Crime Stoppers on dentoncountycrimestoppers.com, and through its “P3 Tips” mobile phone app.
Editor's Note: Based on a police statement, a previous version of this story said Jatevon Johnson had been charged with capital murder. Jail records indicate Johnson is facing a murder charge. We regret the error.
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