UPDATE Man found guilty of voluntary manslaughter testified he was scared for his life before fatal shooting

May 16—SUNBURY — It took a Northumberland County jury about an hour on Thursday afternoon to find Ajani Munsch-Ousha Uhuru not guilty of first and third degree murder charges stemming from a May 2022 shooting inside a Sunbury convenience store that left 30-year-old Kareem Jakes dead.

Uhuru, 25, of Sunbury, was found guilty of felony voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault charges by the jury.

Sunbury police accused Uhuru of shooting Jakes at the Penn Jersey Food Mart on Fourth Street in Sunbury on May 19, 2022, after an argument. Police said he fled after the shooting.

Uhuru testified on his own behalf Thursday saying he was scared for his life and that he acted in self-defense because of the reputation he had heard about Jakes, who witnesses testified had the nickname "trouble."

Uhuru was held in county prison without bail but after the verdict, he was granted $500,000 cash bail but would need to have a hearing to post the money.

"I am thankful for all my supporters," Uhuru said after the verdict.

Uhuru testified he went to the Penn Jersey Food Mart to get drinks for his daughter and when he arrived he saw Jakes and went to shake his hand.

Uhuru said Jakes refused the handshake so Uhuru went inside the store to get the drinks.

While inside, Uhuru said Jakes came in and asked if he "wanted smoke."

Uhuru explained it meant go outside and fight, according to testimony. Uhuru said he did not want to fight and that he had known Jakes was involved in other alleged shootings, so Uhuru, who was carrying a legal firearm, began to panic.

During a conversation about the fight, Uhuru said Jakes punched Uhuru in the back of the head with force, and Uhuru drew his weapon and fired two shots in the blind, which killed Jakes. Surveillance footage supported his testimony.

Uhuru said he left the store and everything was a blur to him because he was in shock.

Uhuru admitted he fled to Philadelphia and had plans on returning to Sunbury once he acquired legal representation.

Arresting officer Sunbury Police Chief Travis Bremigen said he respected the jury's decision.

"A lot of time was put in this case and we respect the jury's decision," he said. "This was a good outcome and it shows the residents of Northumberland County won't stand for gun violence."

Northumberland County District Attorney Michael O'Donnell, who prosecuted the case, told the jury Uhuru had predetermined he was going to kill Jakes as soon as he felt there would be a fight.

O'Donnell said Uhuru then took his time leaving and even provoked individuals outside the store, including Jakes' sister, Charisma Jakes, by threatening to kill her if she "ratted."

Uhuru denied the claim and said all he wanted to do that day was get back to his daughter and had no intentions on hurting anyone.

O'Donnell played the graphic video to the jury that shows Uhuru entering the store and grabbing a drink before Jakes enters the store and the two begin a conversation. The video shows Jakes and Uhuru speaking before Jakes throws a punch and Uhuru pulls out a weapon and shoots Jakes. Uhuru then walks past Jakes, stops for a moment, and leaves the store. Uhuru's defense disputed witness accounts. Uhuru said in a separate video played for the jury that he apologized to Jakes for the shooting before fleeing the area.

Prior to the verdict, Northumberland County President Judge Paige Rosini, who presided over the case, warned the packed gallery of Uhuru and Jakes supporters to remain quiet while the verdict was read.

When the first charge of first degree murder was read as not guilty, a series of applause let loose and Rosini immediately cleared the courtroom and only allowed county workers and media members to remain inside.

Rosini issued several warnings to the gallery throughout the two-day trial.

O'Donnell thanked the jury for their service.

"We respect the jury's verdict. The incident was captured on video which was shown repeatedly in court. A conviction for voluntary manslaughter represents an unjustified killing that occurred in response to serious provocation," he said. The Northumberland County District Attorney's Office maintains its commitment to prosecuting gang and gun violence. We want to thank the Sunbury Police Department and Chief Travis Bremigen for their dedication to protect and serve the people of our county."

Defense attorney Robert Hoffa, of Williamsport, declined comment after the verdict.

Uhuru will now be sentenced by Rosini on Aug. 8 at 9:15 a.m.