Devon Blevins, First-Degree Murder, Oklahoma 2021

State: Oklahoma
Category: Violent Crime
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok/pr/defendant-convicted-first-degree-murder-man-bicycle" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

A federal jury in Oklahoma delivered a guilty verdict against Devon Blevins, 28, of Tulsa, for first-degree murder in Indian Country. The crime took place on April 12, 2021, in the parking lot of the Waterstone Apartments near South Peoria Avenue.

Prosecutors contended that Blevins shot and killed Maurice Burgess, who was riding a bicycle, in an attempt to impress members of the Savage Boys street gang. Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson stated, ‘Devon Blevins fired twice across the hood of a car he was riding in and callously murdered Maurice Burgess.’

Blevins was found guilty of first-degree murder in Indian Country and causing death by using and discharging a firearm during the commission of first-degree murder. His codefendant, Jacob Bruce Banks, 21, pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to first-degree murder in Indian Country on September 17, 2021.

The two defendants are members of the Savage Boys street gang and did not know the victim. Blevins allegedly fired multiple times across the hood of a vehicle, striking Maurice Burgess, who was riding a bicycle.

Blevins’ codefendant, Jacob Bruce Banks, testified in court that on the day of the crime, both men were armed. Blevins directed Banks to drive in the area to look for a silver vehicle, but they ended up seeing the victim instead.

Blevins admitted to detectives that he was responsible for the shooting but claimed the victim had reached for his waist area, making him believe he may have been reaching for a handgun. Blevins stated that he positioned himself on the car’s open window ledge and shot the victim twice.

Blevins’ motive for the crime was to impress his fellow gang members and gain acceptance into the Savage Boys. The jury held Blevins accountable for his actions, delivering a guilty verdict.

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