On Thursday, April 4, 2024 in Daytona Beach, Florida, Jakari D. Webb, 21, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of 19-year-old Telan K. Mann.
Webb was convicted of first-degree murder using a firearm, concluding a case that underscored the dangers of online misrepresentation and its potentially fatal consequences.
The crime occurred on June 23, 2022, when Webb orchestrated a “catfishing” plot to lure Mann to a certain location under a false online identity, with the aim of killing him. Webb’s motivation stemmed from his belief that Mann was spreading rumors about his sexual orientation.
The term “catfishing” is used to describe the creation of a fraudulent identity on social media and other online platforms, often with the intent to deceive. This deception can involve using someone else’s photos and fabricating life stories, occupations, social circles, and other personal details to construct a convincing false identity.
R.J. Larizza, State Attorney, stated that Webb’s actions were a clear demonstration of premeditated murder, as evidenced by Webb arming himself and waiting for Mann before shooting him nine times. According to Larizza, this left no doubt about Webb’s intention to kill.
Even though the defense argued that there was no direct evidence tying Webb to the crime during the trial, the prosecution introduced significant evidence linking Webb’s cell phone to the murder weapon and the victim. Surveillance footage showed Webb at the crime scene before and after Mann was shot, including footage of Webb hiding before ambushing Mann.
After responding to reports of gunshots near Oak Tree Circle and Forest Glen Boulevard, law enforcement found Mann’s body on a sidewalk, filled with bullet wounds. The crime scene was scattered with shell casings, suggesting a close-range shooting.
The investigation unveiled a text exchange between Webb and Mann, arranging their meeting that night. Surveillance footage also captured Webb’s efforts to hide his actions and avoid detection after the murder. Webb initially provided inconsistent accounts of his whereabouts at the time of the killing but later confessed. Although he first claimed self-defense, alleging Mann had attacked him with a knife, he later retracted this claim.
During the investigation, Webb admitted to creating a fake Instagram account to communicate with Mann, driven by Mann’s alleged rumors about Webb’s sexual orientation. Although he initially characterized the shooting as accidental, Webb later admitted that the 9 mm handgun found under a nearby basketball hoop was the murder weapon.
Mann’s obituary depicted him as a person who strived to live with peace and love, reflecting his joyful and family-centered spirit.
The life sentence given to Webb is a judicial affirmation of the premeditated nature of the crime and the tragic loss of a young life, reinforcing the importance of vigilance and caution in online interactions.
