Delaware News

DOJ secures guilty pleas, prison time in fatal shooting case

Department of Justice Press Releases | Date Posted: Friday, February 23, 2024


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Two people have pleaded guilty in relation to the assault and fatal shooting of 19-year-old Za’Quan Blackwell. On February 2, Ah’Kee Flonnory of Wilmington pleaded guilty to Manslaughter, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony; Armani Rogers, 20, of New Castle pleaded guilty to Assault 2nd Degree. 

“This was a tragic loss and yet another reminder of what is at stake in the fight against gun violence,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “The victim was robbed from his family and community by a senseless act of violence. I am grateful to our team and the Wilmington Police Department for their outstanding work on this case. I hope it will bring some comfort to the family as they grieve and heal.” 

“The outcome of this investigation reflects the hard work of our detectives, as well as our relentless efforts to deliver justice on behalf of victims of crime,” said Chief Wilfredo Campos. “We will continue our efforts to hold offenders like these accountable for their actions.” 

On September 14, 2022, Flonnory drove Rogers to exchange custody of a child that she shared with Blackwell when an argument ensued. Rogers sprayed Blackwell with pepper spray before returning to the vehicle. Blackwell approached the driver’s side of the vehicle and began talking with Flonnory, who then extended a handgun out of the window and shot Blackwell twice. Blackwell was taken to Christiana Hospital where he died of his wounds. 

Flonnory will be sentenced by a Superior Court judge at a date to be determined. Rogers was sentenced to eight years in prison, suspended for one year of probation. 

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DOJ secures guilty pleas, prison time in fatal shooting case

Department of Justice Press Releases | Date Posted: Friday, February 23, 2024


Navy blue background featuring the Delaware state seal in the center

Two people have pleaded guilty in relation to the assault and fatal shooting of 19-year-old Za’Quan Blackwell. On February 2, Ah’Kee Flonnory of Wilmington pleaded guilty to Manslaughter, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony; Armani Rogers, 20, of New Castle pleaded guilty to Assault 2nd Degree. 

“This was a tragic loss and yet another reminder of what is at stake in the fight against gun violence,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “The victim was robbed from his family and community by a senseless act of violence. I am grateful to our team and the Wilmington Police Department for their outstanding work on this case. I hope it will bring some comfort to the family as they grieve and heal.” 

“The outcome of this investigation reflects the hard work of our detectives, as well as our relentless efforts to deliver justice on behalf of victims of crime,” said Chief Wilfredo Campos. “We will continue our efforts to hold offenders like these accountable for their actions.” 

On September 14, 2022, Flonnory drove Rogers to exchange custody of a child that she shared with Blackwell when an argument ensued. Rogers sprayed Blackwell with pepper spray before returning to the vehicle. Blackwell approached the driver’s side of the vehicle and began talking with Flonnory, who then extended a handgun out of the window and shot Blackwell twice. Blackwell was taken to Christiana Hospital where he died of his wounds. 

Flonnory will be sentenced by a Superior Court judge at a date to be determined. Rogers was sentenced to eight years in prison, suspended for one year of probation. 

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Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.