ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – A jury convicted a St. Louis County man in the shooting death of a woman that followed a prom party dispute.
Emonne Dillon, 20, was found guilty Friday of second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action in the death of Jayla Farr last year. Two others were also hurt in the shooting.
According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, the shooting happened during the evening hours of May 2, 2023. Court documents state that he “discharged a volley of nine rounds” toward a house while a group of people were fist-fighting.
Investigators say the fight only involved young women and stemmed from disagreements over a high school prom party that happened the weekend before. One witness testified that the victim noticed Dillon and told him to “put away the gun – this is a female fight” before she was killed.
“We are often compelled to describe acts as senseless, but this was one of the most senseless killings I have ever seen,” said St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell. “There is absolutely no reason why this young woman is not alive today. The terrible, remorseless judgment of this young man cost an innocent young woman her life, and our office and law enforcement partners have ensured that he is being held accountable for his actions.”
Several eyewitness, St. Louis County Police Department officers, detectives, lab technicians, and ballistic experts all testified. The jury also reviewed some bystander videos of moments leading up to the shooting.
A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled, per Missouri court records.
NOTE: Video is from FOX 2’s report in May 2023.