Trio Pleads Guilty To Killing Teen During South Jersey Drug Deal, Prosecutors Say

Three men admitted to shooting a teen to death during a drug deal in Burlington Township more than three years ago, authorities said.

Jayviyohn Earley, 22, of Willingboro, NJ; Tarik Jenkins, 28, of Pemberton Township, NJ; and Kayhree Simmons, 22, of Willingboro, NJ.
Photo Credit: *Burlington County Prosecutor's Office*

Chris Spiker

11/04/2024 10:42 a.m.

Jayviyohn Earley of Willingboro, Tarik Jenkins of Pemberton Township, and Kayhree Simmons of Willingboro pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Oct. 29 to aggravated manslaughter, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia Bradshaw said in a news release.

Investigators said the men went to the Walmart parking lot on Route 541 for a drug deal on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. The three confessed to firing guns, killing 17-year-old Albert Williams of Hammonton.

Albert's father was also shot but he survived his injuries.

Earley, 22, agreed to an 18-year prison sentence as part of his plea deal. Jenkins, 28, and Simmons, 22, agreed to 15-year sentences in their deals.

Charges remained pending against 23-year-old Kweli McCants of Willingboro after he was accused of hindering the investigation. A fifth person pleaded guilty to hindering.

Sentencing was scheduled for Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

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