Second man charged in connection with murder of Fayetteville teen
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- Late Wednesday afternoon, police charged and arrested a second person in connection with 16-year-old Joseph Braxton's death.
The suspect was identified as 18-year-old Jaquiel Markete Reuben.
Reuben was arrested Wednesday at Seventy-First High School and was charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. At last report, he was being held at the Cumberland County Detention Center on a $100,000 secured bond.
Earlier in the day, the first person charged in the case, 19-year-old Devontay Douglas, shook his head "no" as the murder and conspiracy charges were read against him in a courtroom. Douglas also told the judge he did not shoot Braxton outside a friend's house on Randleman Street on Sept. 27.
After the brief hearing, Douglas' family left the courtroom crying. His mother and another family member collapsed and cried on the sidewalk outside the detention center. A family member said they were too emotional to talk.
Outside the detention center, District Attorney Billy West would only say police investigators got some evidence to warrant charges being filed.
"Well, I know the police chief was frustrated that we didn't have folks come forward and help supplement the evidence we had in the case," said West. "Fortunately, we've been able to make an arrest in this case now. From what I understand, I think there may be other outstanding warrants in the case as well. So, we'll be moving forward with the case to try to get justice as the case progresses."
Douglas was ordered held on $1.5 million bond.
Braxton's mother believes her son's death was retaliation after a fight with older students a week before he was killed.
Police say more arrests are expected. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fayetteville Police Department at (910) 237-9391 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477).
