Jury Convicts Jawon Murray of First-Degree Murder in Fatal Eastland Plaza Shooting

Lopez Convicted as Accessory After the Fact

San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas has announced the conviction of Jawon Murray for the first-degree murder of William Potter, who was gunned down in front of his family while walking home from grocery shopping in Eastland Plaza on March 19, 2023. A jury also found Desiree Lopez guilty of accessory after the fact and weapons charges for her role in attempting to conceal the murder weapon.

According to evidence presented at trial, Murray and Lopez followed Potter and his family from the T-Shirt Center to a nearby neighborhood before Murray opened fire from a moving vehicle, striking and killing Potter. The swift response by Stockton Police Department patrol and undercover units led to the arrest of both defendants within hours, and the recovery of the murder weapon, hidden in a child’s diaper bag.

Murray faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. Lopez faces sentencing for her convictions, including possession of a loaded firearm in public.

District Attorney Freitas praised the coordinated law enforcement response and the work of the lead prosecutor:

“William Potter was executed in front of his family in broad daylight. Today’s verdict ensures that his killer will never harm another innocent life. I want to commend Deputy District Attorney Alexander Henry for his outstanding prosecution and thank Detective Aaron Clark and the Stockton Police Department for their rapid response, precision, and commitment to justice.”

Sentencing is scheduled in the San Joaquin County Superior Court.