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Man pleads guilty to Virginia Beach murder during drug deal gone bad

Posted at 12:46 PM, Nov 02, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-02 12:46:51-04

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – A man has pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder in the May 2 murder of 23-year-old Devin Lowery.

Jonnathan Kiondre Miller was arrested in connection to the May 2 shooting death of 23-year-old Devin Lowery

Jonnathan Kiondre Miller was arrested in connection to the May 2 shooting death of 23-year-old Devin Lowery

Jon’nathan Miller was arrested not long after Lowery was found murdered in the 4500 block of Shallowford Circle.

Shortly after his arrest, he spoke to a News 3 reporter from jail about his involvement in the murder, first saying he didn’t do it, then saying he wasn’t able to say whether he was or wasn’t involved.

Police say they searched Lowery’s phone to develop suspects.

According to court documents, Miller first denied any involvement. Then, upon further questioning, he admitted being present but denied he was involved in Lowery’s death. Finally, he admitted to being present and attempting to purchase marijuana from Lowery.  He also admitted that he intended to rob Lowery for the marijuana using his .380 caliber gun when the deal didn’t go as planned.

Court documents say during the deal, Miller attempted to pay for the marijuana using counterfeit money. Lowery used a counterfeit marker pen to make sure the money was real. That’s when Miller took out his gun and demanded the marijuana from Lowery.

Miller claims he accidentally shot Lowery during the robbery. Lowery was shot once in the chest, once in the back, and was grazed above the left eye.

Miller and two others left the area after the shooting.

Miller pleaded guilty to both Second Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. His sentencing is scheduled for February 8. 2017.

Cases against three other co-defendants in the case — Keith Mitchell, Raiquan Turner, and Timothy Watson, were all continued.