Family of Davonnis Wilkinson disappointed in charges against her shooter

27 year old Rashaun Jones has been charged with first degree assault and use of a weapon to commit a felony in the shooting of Davonnis Wilkinson.

Davonnis’s family now feeling a tiny bit of relief that charges have been filed, releasing a statement saying:

“The Wilkinson family are so happy with tears of happiness with the justice results. Our hearts aren’t so heavy with this gun and domestic violence that has occurred in the family. I hope he serves all the time possible. Because it should have been attempted murder. – Ray Wilkinson”

That charge of attempted murder is now the question on many people’s minds: what’s the difference between first degree assault and attempted murder, and why wasn’t Jones charged with the latter? 

We spoke with Lincoln Police, who explained that the difference lies in the intent.

First degree assault is intentionally causing physical harm to another person.

Attempted murder is intentionally and deliberately attempting to kill someone. 

Therefore, to charge someone with attempted murder, investigators have to be able to know that the suspect was indeed intending to kill another person.  This proof usually has to come in voicing that desire to someone else, or written evidence. 

However, both charges are Class 2 felonies, and carry the same weight of up to 50 years in prison if convicted.

The charge of use of a weapon to commit a felony also has a maximum sentence of 50 years. 

Davonnis is expected to survive her injuries, but will have significant functional disabilities going forward.

Her family says now, she just needs time to rest and heal.