21-year-old Knoxville woman takes plea agreement in connection with fatal shooting
A 21-year-old Knoxville woman has pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment for her part in the fatal shooting of Jaqwan Gillette on March 28.
Shani Harris was facing charges of attempted first-degree murder, attempted aggravated robbery and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Those charges were dismissed Feb. 27 and she was sentenced to four years, which she can apply to serve under judicial diversion.
Harris had agreed to drive Gillette and a 17-year-old, whose name was not released, to meet with a man in the parking lot of the Dollar General on Sutherland Avenue to buy marijuana. Gillete and the teen planned to rob the man selling the marijuana instead, prosecutors stated.
After Gillette held a gun to the seller's back, the man turned and fired at Gillette, prosecutors stated. Gillette and the 17-year-old then began firing at the seller, who fled to his car. Harris also fired several rounds, prosecutors said. Gillette, 18, was struck in the exchange of gunfire and died at the scene, according to police.
Harris was arrested March 30. Officers took a 17-year-old boy into custody on juvenile petitions for attempted first-degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery. His case is currently pending, said Knox County Assistant District Attorney Sean McDermott.
Liz Kellar is a public safety reporter for Knox News. She can be reached by email at lkellar@knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: 21-year-old Knoxville woman takes plea agreement after fatal shooting
