A New York teenager has been sentenced to decades behind bars after prosecutors said he lured his own friend to a park where the 15-year-old was shot multiple times and killed.
New York Teen Sentenced in Murder of 15-Year-Old Friend
Ja’Kye Jamison, 19, has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison after being convicted in the murder of Karon Works.
The sentencing took place in New York on May 13, months after a jury found Jamison guilty of second-degree murder and weapons charges.
Prosecutors Say Victim Was Lured to Park
According to prosecutors, Jamison was just 16 years old when the crime happened on Dec. 12, 2023.
Investigators say Jamison and two other teens allegedly lured Works to Lower Onondaga Park in Syracuse.
Once there, prosecutors said Works was ambushed and shot multiple times.
Victim Shot Six Times
Authorities say 15-year-old Karon Works was shot six times during the attack.
According to investigators, the teenager suffered gunshot wounds to:
- His back
- His legs
- Other parts of his body
Emergency responders were unable to save him.
His death shocked the Syracuse community.
Phone Records Became Key Evidence
Prosecutors told the court that phone records played a major role in the investigation.
According to investigators, evidence showed:
- Multiple text messages between Jamison and Works
- Several phone calls
- FaceTime conversations just hours before the killing
Prosecutors argued these communications helped prove the victim was intentionally lured to the park.
Defense Claimed He Was Only a Witness
Jamison’s defense attorney argued that his client did not take part in the murder.
The defense claimed Jamison was merely present and witnessed the shooting.
However, jurors rejected that argument and found him guilty in March.
Victim’s Family Delivers Emotional Statement
During sentencing, family members of Karon Works addressed the court.
His uncle described Jamison as:
- Unrepentant
- Remorseless
- Incorrigible
The emotional statements highlighted the devastating impact of the teenager’s death on his loved ones.
Other Suspects Also Facing Justice
Two other suspects were also charged in connection with the case.
Ny’Zhon Thomas previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 24 years to life in prison.
Meanwhile, Caleb Gibson has pleaded not guilty and is expected to stand trial later this year.
Community Still Mourning Teen’s Death
The murder of Karon Works continues to impact the Syracuse community, with many still struggling to understand how a friendship allegedly turned into betrayal and violence.
As the final defendant prepares for trial, the case remains one of the most heartbreaking teen crime stories in New York in recent years.
