Dallas, TX – A Dallas County jury has found 23-year-old Jason Hardy Oakes guilty of Murder and sentenced him to 60 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The case was prosecuted by Lead Prosecutor Sarah Beth DeLay and Second Chair Kathryn Suggs, with assistance from DA Investigator Mikey Csaszar, DA Paralegal Stephanie Thompson, and DA Intern Camden Vokey. The Dallas Police Department led the investigation.
According to trial evidence, Oakes became involved in a dispute with the owner of a known drug house in the North Lake Highlands area over a stolen bicycle. Eight days later, Oakes stole a vehicle and met individuals at a party who provided him, a convicted felon, with a firearm. The group drove to Pleasant Grove, where Oakes opened fire on the residence.
Three people were standing on the porch at the time of the shooting. All three were struck by gunfire, and one victim, an innocent bystander unrelated to the dispute, died from her injuries.
After the shooting, Oakes disposed of the firearm and went into hiding for three weeks before being apprehended. During trial, Oakes testified that he intended only to shoot at the house, not to harm anyone. However, witness testimony and evidence demonstrated that the victims were clearly visible from the vehicle, leading the jury to reject his claim.
The jury returned a verdict of Guilty and imposed a 60-year prison sentence along with a $10,000 fine.
