Santee, SC — A South Carolina man wanted for murder and attempted murder has turned himself in — and claims that severe burn injuries and major physical limitations make it physically impossible for him to have committed the crime.
Zaquan Shaquez Jamison, 20, surrendered to police in North Charleston on August 15, 2025, ending months on the run. He is charged in the January 13 fatal shooting of 17-year-old Ja’Mereion “Mari” Deangelo Crawford at Crawford’s home on Boo Circle in Santee.
Police allege Jamison fired 27 rounds into the home, killing Crawford and targeting ten others. He now faces charges of:
Murder
10 counts of attempted murder
Possession of a weapon during a violent crime
Jamison had previously been labeled armed and dangerous, but was taken into custody without incident when he voluntarily surrendered.
A Defense Rooted in Physical Inability
What’s gaining national attention isn’t just the crime — but Jamison’s appearance and legal defense.
In court, Jamison appeared with severe burn injuries, disfigured facial features, one missing hand, and the other reportedly non-functional. He told the judge that he cannot bend or pull a trigger due to his condition and referred to treatment records from the Augusta Burn Center as proof.
According to Jamison, his injuries stem from an October 2023 car crash — long before the January 2025 shooting. He reportedly spent months recovering from burns that left him physically disabled, including a fractured hand and major mobility loss.
His legal team is expected to argue that the extent of his injuries makes it unlikely — if not medically impossible — that he could have operated a firearm or carried out a targeted shooting of this magnitude.
Prosecutors Yet to Respond Publicly
At this stage, prosecutors have not addressed Jamison’s claims or provided insight into their evidence linking him to the crime. The case remains in its early stages, and no trial date has been set.
Legal experts say the case could hinge on several key factors:
Forensic evidence (fingerprints, gunpowder residue, ballistic matches)
Eyewitness accounts from those present at the scene
Medical expert testimony on Jamison’s physical condition and whether it would be possible for him to wield a firearm
A Complex and High-Profile Case
The unusual defense — and Jamison’s striking physical condition — has sparked widespread debate and online discussion, with many asking: Can someone with profound disabilities commit a mass shooting?
The combination of serious criminal charges and visible physical trauma presents a unique challenge for law enforcement, prosecutors, and eventually, a jury. The case will likely require detailed medical evidence, surveillance footage, and testimonies from both medical professionals and witnesses.
If convicted, Jamison faces a potential life sentence. For now, he remains in custody at the Santee Police Department as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.
