Jessie sentenced to 45 years

Donquarius Jessie, 19, from Navasota, pled guilty to Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Assault and was sentenced to a total of 45 years in prison.

Jessie pled guilty to both charges Monday, Oct. 25, before the 12th District Judge David Moorman. He was handed down a 25-year sentence for an Aggravated Robbery that occurred March 4, 2021, and a 20-year sentence for an Aggravated Assault on Dec. 24, 2019. The sentences will run concurrently.

Aggravated Robbery is a first-degree felony, which carries a 5 to 99-year prison sentence. Aggravated Assault is a second-degree felony, which carries a 2 to 20-year sentence. Prior to the sentencing, Jessie had no prior prison sentences.

Aggravated Robbery

On March 4, 2021, a 24-year old female listed a dirt bike for sale on Facebook Marketplace. The victim stated she was contacted via Facebook Messenger by Jessie, who agreed to purchase the dirt bike if the victim would deliver it to him.

At approximately 6:20 p.m., the victim met Jessie on Sauls Street in Navasota to make the delivery. After showing the dirt bike to Jessie and proving to him that it started and was in working condition, Jessie pulled a .45 caliber pistol and demanded the victim leave the location. As she fled in her truck Jessie fired multiple rounds.

Navasota Police Investigators recovered the pistol used during the robbery and verified it through DNA testing. Investigators located a witness who drove Jessie to the scene of the robbery. Additional witnesses saw Jessie pushing the dirt bike and trying to conceal it immediately after the robbery.

Christmas Eve Shooting

At the time of the dirt bike aggravated robbery, Jessie was out on bail for an Aggravated Assault that occurred Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2019. In that case a firearm was also used.

Navasota Police responded to Magnolia Plaza Apartments, 700 Doris Street in Navasota at approximately 7:40 p.m., after reports of multiple victims being shot during an altercation.

Upon arrival, officers confirmed two victims, both from Navasota, were injured. Brian Moore, 25, suffered a gunshot wound to the hand and Arnesha Gunniels, 23, was grazed by a bullet on her stomach. Moore was transported to CHI St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan. Gunniels was treated and released at CHI St. Joseph in Navasota.

According to Navasota Police Chief Shawn Myatt three suspects fled the scene on foot. Myatt stated Donquarius Jessie, 17, from Navasota was identified as one of the suspects. He showed up at Navasota Police Department to issue a statement Thursday, Dec. 26, and was subsequently arrested.

“Gun violence is taken very seriously by our office,” explained Assistant District Attorney Courtney Cain. “Crimes, like those committed by Donquarius Jessie, will result in significant prison time. In Grimes County, this type of behavior will not be tolerated.”

Grimes County District Attorney Andria Bender praised Navasota Police Department and Assistant District Attorney Courtney Cain. “Well done to the Navasota Police Department investigating these cases,” she said. “The community is safer with this defendant off the streets.

And well done to Assistant District Attorney Courtney Cain and her team for getting this case resolved.”

Jessie is currently in the Grimes County Jal awaiting transfer to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.