An Indiana woman has been sentenced to 10 to 30 years in prison for her role in the 2023 murder of her former partner in Michigan.
Woman Sentenced in Murder Case
Markeisha Burns-Cross, 27, received the sentence after pleading no contest to second-degree murder in April. She was accused of driving her then-boyfriend, Zakeem Jones, to the home of her ex-boyfriend, 33-year-old Devon Williams, where he was fatally shot on March 29, 2023.
Argument Led to Deadly Encounter
According to prosecutors, Burns-Cross and Jones argued after a night of drinking. After Jones discovered text messages between Burns-Cross and Williams, he became angry and accompanied her to Williams’ home in Buena Vista Township, Michigan.
Investigators said Jones was armed when they arrived and followed Burns-Cross into the residence.
Victim Shot Inside His Home
Williams was inside the home with several children when the couple entered. Prosecutors said Williams attempted to flee after seeing Jones, but Jones opened fire, killing him.
Authorities described the shooting as a premeditated attack motivated by jealousy.
Co-Defendant Serving Life Sentence
Burns-Cross later testified against Jones during his trial. Jones was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder and multiple firearm-related charges. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Burns-Cross was initially charged with first-degree murder and weapons offences, but those charges were reduced as part of her plea agreement.
