Friend of Fairhope murder victim arrested

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) - Baldwin County deputies arrested a second man in connection to a murder in Fairhope police said they believe happened last week.

Jamon Lawrence, 20, was charged with first-degree hindering prosecution.

Deputies would not release many details surrounding his arrest but confirmed it is related to the case.

He is the second person charged in connection to the murder of Donald “DJ” Howard.

“It just blew my mind because he's like a cousin,” said Howard’s aunt, Maeola Coleman. “For this to come forth, I mean, it’s just like we're kin folks.”

Investigators have been searching for Howard’s body since January 17 after a witness told them Howard had been shot to death days earlier.

When authorities arrived to a mobile home property off Parker Road, they said they found evidence that Howard had sustained ‘non-survivable’ injuries. Investigators, however, said they haven’t found his body.

Investigators said it appears Howard was shot numerous times while inside a vehicle on the property.

Immanuel Jenkins, 22, was arrested on January 18 in Mississippi and charged with capital murder.

Authorities said there are several players involved in the crime and believe someone knows where the body is hidden.

Howard’s family said it hurts to know those who may know what happened still get to spend time with their own loved ones.

“They get to see them every single day,” said Coleman. “They get to call and tell them they love them. We don't get to do that. We don't even have a chance to say goodbye.”

On January 24, deputies moved their search to Mobile County.

Both Jenkins and Lawrence remain in the Baldwin County Jail without bond.

A candlelight vigil is set for Monday, January 28, at 5 p.m. in Fairhope. A group of citizens organized the vigil at Heads Up Barber Shop.