Portsmouth mother relieved son’s killer convicted in Turnpike murder

More than a year agoNews 3 told you about a fatal shooting at a shopping plaza at the intersection of Frederick Boulevard and Turnpike Road in Portsmouth.

Court documents say 20-year-old Ja’son Randolph was shot after leaving the vape shop by Deterryo Harris, who was convicted of second-degree murder.

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“It’s a feeling of liberation to get a guilty verdict against my son. I’ve been looking forward to it. But the pain is still there every day,” said Jenial Randolph, Ja’Son’s mother.

The day Ja’Son was killed, April 11, 2023, is a day Jenial says she will never forget.

“I miss his presence and his smile,” Jenial said.

Jenial said her son’s killer knew Jason because they grew up together.

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“They had known each other since childhood, growing up in the city. He not only took a life, he threw away his entire life.”

Legal analyst Eric Claville shares why Harris was charged with second-degree murder.

“To prove first-degree murder, you have to prove it was intentional. With second-degree murder, you can’t prove that. Most likely, prosecutors couldn’t prove that it was a premeditated murder, but rather a careless murder.” said Claville.

“He could be sentenced to 5 to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder,” Claville said.

Detterryo Harris will be sentenced for his charges on January 30, 2025.