The challenge for the detectives was twofold. First, they had to determine if DeJesus would survive. Second, they had to treat the case as a potential homicide while the victim was still alive. If DeJesus died from his injuries, the charge would upgrade to murder. But in the initial hours, he was clinging to life.
The First 48: The Tragic Case of Marcos DeJesus – A Life Altered by Gunfire marcos dejesus first 48 paralyzed
Because DeJesus was paralyzed and could not flee or fight back, the public’s sympathy was strong. Detectives were able to secure an arrest warrant within 36 hours. The primary suspect was apprehended at a girlfriend’s apartment, hiding under a mattress. The cousin was picked up at a bus stop trying to leave the state. The challenge for the detectives was twofold
His episode remains one of the most re-watched First 48 segments not because of the detective work, but because of his raw testimony. Unlike many victims featured on the show, DeJesus lived to tell his own story—from a wheelchair. If DeJesus died from his injuries, the charge