22-year-old Jamarco Jakeith Blanton has been sentenced to life without parole in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the capital murder of 82-year-old Fahed Fatayri, a beloved convenience store owner in Terrell, known throughout the community as “Pops.”
The sentence was delivered by Judge Shelton Gibbs of the 422nd District Court on Friday, following a two-day jury trial. A Kaufman County jury found Blanton guilty of capital murder for the May 12, 2023 killing that took place at the Mom & Pops gas station, located at 402 S. Virginia Street.
According to trial evidence, Blanton traveled from Dallas to Terrell with two acquaintances late that night. Surveillance footage showed Blanton loitering inside the store before stealing an item and attempting to leave without paying. When Mr. Fatayri confronted him, Blanton shoved the elderly store owner and headed toward the exit.
Both men were then seen producing firearms. Blanton fired a shot into Mr. Fatayri’s chest with a handgun equipped with an extended magazine. One of Blanton’s female companions stayed behind to render aid while Blanton fled the scene. He was later apprehended by Terrell Police Department officers near Newton and S. Adelaide, after concealing evidence near a nearby Dollar General.
Mr. Fatayri, who ran the store for decades alongside his wife of 58 years, Itidal “Mom” Fatayri, was widely known for his kindness and generosity in the Terrell community. He was described during the investigation as “a real nice guy” who “didn’t deserve this.”
Following the jury’s verdict, the victim’s daughter, Loris Fatayri, stated: “Finally, Dad, known as Pops, got justice today. It was hard, and so much sadness for Mom and me. The killer was sentenced to life without the chance of parole. Thank you…for working so hard to get justice for a loving, good man. Our loving Pops will forever be with us and the communities who loved him.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Robyn Beckham, Marc Moffitt, and Hillary Heisel, with support from Paralegal Kristen Tucker, multiple investigators, and Victim Assistance Coordinator Shirley Bruner.
District Attorney Erleigh Norville Wiley praised the efforts of Terrell Police Department detectives and thanked the jury, stating: “Through your verdict, we have been able to send a message to those who would commit crimes in our community: Think Twice. Kaufman County is serious about punishing violent crime.”
