Deland, Florida – A Daytona Beach man was convicted and sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for catfishing and killing a teenager. Jakari Webb, 21, was found guilty of first-degree murder by a jury after deliberating for about two hours in the Volusia County Courthouse. Webb was sentenced to mandatory life in prison without parole by Circuit Judge Randell Rowe III.
The tragic incident occurred on June 23, 2022, when Webb, then 19, shot and killed 19-year-old Telan Mann. Before the fatal encounter, Webb engaged in catfishing, pretending to be someone else on social media to lure Mann. He used pictures from an Instagram account of a semi-pro basketball player to deceive Mann, ultimately leading to the deadly meeting near Oak Tree Circle and Forest Glen Boulevard.
During the trial, Assistant State Attorney Mark Interlicchio presented evidence linking Webb to the crime, including text messages between him and Mann found on Mann’s cellphone. Former Daytona Beach Police Detective Joseph Roces testified that video surveillance captured Webb on his way to the meeting, despite some images being of low quality. Witnesses who knew Webb also identified him in the footage.
Despite the defense’s arguments, which claimed a lack of concrete evidence linking Webb to the shooting, the jury found him guilty of premeditated murder. The State Attorney’s Office referred to Mann as a “young guns” defendant, emphasizing the calculated nature of Webb’s actions.
Throughout the trial, conflicting testimonies and evidence surfaced, with Webb claiming the shooting was retribution for Mann spreading rumors about his sexuality. The State Attorney’s Office denounced Webb’s actions as a deliberate, planned execution designed to cause harm. State Attorney R.J. Larizza condemned Webb’s act of violence, stating that the shooting’s brutality and premeditation left no doubt about his intentions.
Despite attempts to deflect blame and discredit the evidence, Webb’s conviction stands as a reminder of the consequences of online deception and real-world violence. The courtroom drama underscored the devastating impact of catfishing and the tragic outcome it can lead to, serving as a cautionary tale for those who engage in deceit online. Webb’s sentencing serves as a form of justice for the victim, Telan Mann, whose life was cut short due to a series of manipulative actions orchestrated by the defendant.