The man who shot and killed Jasmine Bennett, 25, inside a Lawrence Dollar Tree in 2023 was sentenced on Monday, May 12.
A judge sentenced Jalen Thomas to 45 years in jail. Thomas is receiving credit for 735 days—two years and five days—previously served in jail, bringing his remaining term to slightly under 43 years.
Thomas just amended his plea to “guilty but mentally ill” in Bennett’s murder. Bennett was shot and died on May 8, 2023, while working inside the Dollar Tree at 10555 Pendleton Pike, near East 56th Street and Sunnyside Road.
Detectives with the Lawrence Police Department think Thomas shot Bennett over an alleged item transaction.
Employees informed a detective that Thomas was dismissed in March 2023 for theft and had returned twice, “causing problems.” Thomas reportedly told a detective that he had a disagreement with management over longer work hours at the Dollar Tree.
Thomas apparently became enraged and banged over products in the store before quitting his job.
According to court documents, Thomas returned to the store a few weeks before the shooting and became irritated with Bennett because she reportedly refused to make a merchandise exchange. Thomas told the detective that he bought a weapon following the event.
Court filings state that witnesses identified Thomas as the suspect. Surveillance video from outside Dollar Tree and other businesses also showed Thomas in the store at the time of the shooting before rapidly driving away.
When cops arrived at Thomas’ home to question him, he and his father exited. According to court filings, Thomas’ father asked him what was going on, and Thomas said, “I killed somebody.” Authorities claim that officers’ body cameras captured this statement.
A detective later informed Thomas of Bennett’s death, and Thomas reportedly told the officer that it was his intention to kill Bennett.
Thomas also told the detective that he was “sorry” and “didn’t want the chance of parole or probation.”
