Two guilty in 2016 ‘setup’ slaying of Sacramento teen and attempted murder of witness
Two men were convicted this week in Sacramento Superior Court on charges of murder, attempted murder and conspiracy for a pair of June 2016 shootings that left one teen dead and a teen witness with gunshot wounds.
A jury found Danqwail Jones guilty in the June 22, 2016, murder of Deonte Whiteside, as well as conspiracy to murder Moani Finch. Eddie Lewis was convicted of conspiracy and the attempted murder of Finch, according to a news release by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.
Jones had gained access to the Snapchat account of Finch, 15 at the time, and used it to lure 17-year-old Whiteside out of his Sacramento home on Harrow Drive, where he was shot and killed. Whiteside was “set up” by Jones, the news release said.
“When Ms. Finch found out that Jones used her Snapchat account to set up Mr. Whiteside, she expressed her shock and confusion to Jones,” the news release said.
Jones then told Finch to meet Lewis, who picked her up, drove her to a park in Elk Grove and shot her multiple times, according to the news release and reporting by The Sacramento Bee at the time. Finch survived the injuries.
Jones was 16 at the time of the murder, and Lewis was 20.
Four other males, ages 17 through 19 in June 2016, were charged in connection with the shootings. Among them was Daniel “Dolla” Carter, known for his appearance on the 2019 Netflix reality TV series “Jailbirds,” filmed primarily at the Sacramento County main jail. Those four defendants had their charges relating to the case dismissed, court records show.
The victim’s mother, Nickey Whiteside-Alston, said her son often remained home and tried to avoid street violence, according to previous reporting by The Bee.
Jones faces a maximum of 36 years to life in prison, and Lewis faces 40 years to life. They are scheduled for sentencing March 27.
This story was originally published December 17, 2019 at 11:13 AM.
