Jury deliberations begin in 2022 Tracy gas station murder trial

(FOX40.COM) — The case against Christina Lyn Garner and Jeremy Wayne Jones – accused of killing 30-year-old Justin Peoples at a Tracy gas station in 2022- is now in the hands of a jury.

After hours of jury instructions Thursday morning at the San Joaquin County Courthouse, deliberations are underway to determine whether one or both of the defendants will be found guilty of first-degree murder, with additional weapons charges.

Prosecutors have described the killing as a “cold blooded murder,” arguing that Garner and Jones acted with intent when they encountered Peoples inside the gas station.

Defense attorneys, however, maintained during the trial that the killing was neither premeditated nor intentional.

Investigators said the deadly confrontation began after Peoples allegedly brushed past Garner inside the store. Investigators also reported that Jones then stabbed Peoples during an altercation, and moments later, Garner returned with a gun and fired, killing him.

During closing statements, prosecutors questioned why the pair would bring a knife and a gun to a confrontation unless there was intent to harm.

The victim’s family was present in the courtroom but could not provide a comment, as they’ve been instructed not to speak publicly until after the verdict. In previous conversations with FOX40, the family said they hope jurors will carefully review surveillance video that captured the stabbing and shooting—a video they described as difficult to watch.

“The thing I’m hoping for, is that the reasons or the motivations behind this will come out in the front and would not be buried,” Ketih Williams, Peoples’ cousin, said.

The family said the trial and everything leading up to it has been an emotional and painful process.

“Missing my son, first of all,” Maurice Peoples’ said, the victim’s father. “Going to court. You know, the long process of three and a half years.”

While they may never find true peace, the family believes a guilty verdict for both defendants would be a step towards justice.

“We are broken. And trying to pick up the pieces is really hard,”Gineene Everson, Justin’s mother, said. “We’ve been waiting for justice.”

The jury could reach a verdict as early as this week. FOX40 will continue to follow this case for updates.