The Arlington Police Department has made three arrests in connection to the Oct 13, 2024 shooting death of 27-year-old Jarrell Thornton.

Following a complex and thorough investigation, APD Homicide detectives obtained warrants for the arrests of 21-year-old Armontay Valencia, 20-year-old Keontay Martin, and 21-year-old Jaden Davidson on one count of Murder each.

Members of the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Mr. Valenica in Mesquite on October 25, 2024. They also arrested Mr. Martin in Dallas on October 29, 2024. Mr. Davidson was taken into custody by APD West Patrol District officers during a traffic stop in Arlington on November 11, 2024.

Detectives believe the night of the murder, the three suspects traveled to an apartment complex in the 2100 block of Wilcrest Drive to purchase drugs from Mr. Thornton. Following the transaction, Mr. Martin reportedly pulled out a gun and began shooting at Mr. Thornton, striking him multiple times. It appears Mr. Thornton, who was in his vehicle at the time, attempted to drive away, but became unresponsive behind the wheel and ultimately collided with several parked vehicles before coming to a stop in the parking lot.

He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased from his injuries.

Detectives initially had few leads in the case. Then, on October 15, 2024, while East Patrol District officers were investigating an unrelated incident, a witness provided information that they had been with Mr. Martin the night of the shooting at a location not far from the crime scene and heard him mention that he’d just killed someone. The witness stated Mr. Martin was armed and that Mr. Valencia was also with them that night.

A second witness detectives spoke to corroborated that information and placed Mr. Valencia, Mr. Martin, and a third individual at the crime scene. Through subsequent investigation, detectives identified the third individual as Mr. Davidson.

Ballistic and digital forensic investigation related to this case is ongoing.

Mr. Davidson is currently being held at the Arlington City Jail. Mr. Valencia and Mr. Martin have since been transferred to the Tarrant County Jail.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

 The Arlington Police Department is investigating a late night shooting that resulted in the death of a 27-year-old man.

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, at approximately 11:05 p.m., officers responded to an apartment complex in the 2100 block of Wilcrest Drive after 911 Dispatch received multiple reports of shots fired in the area.

When officers arrived on scene, they found the man slumped over inside a 2011 Ford Edge in the parking lot. He had multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased from his injuries.

Investigators believe the shooting occurred while the victim was driving through the parking lot. The SUV was left in drive, had multiple bullet holes in it, and appears to have struck several other parked vehicles before coming to a stop.

At this time, there is no suspect information. No witnesses reported seeing the shooting.

Based on evidence recovered at the scene, it appears high-risk drug activity is involved.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Stafford at (817) 459-5739. Tipsters can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers of Tarrant County at (817) 469-8477.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office will identify the deceased once next of kin have been notified.