Jury Begins Deliberations in Orland Square Mall Murder Trial
The jury is weighing the murder case against Jakharr Williams for a 2019 shooting that left one man dead.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Violence
A jury has begun deliberations in the murder trial of Jakharr Williams, who is accused of killing Javon Britten at the Orland Square mall. Williams, who was 20 at the time of the incident, faces charges including murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated battery.
Why it matters
The trial centers on whether the shooting constituted self-defense or a deliberate act of violence. Williams testified he feared for his life, while prosecutors contend he intentionally pursued the victim following a prior conflict.
Jakharr Williams faces charges of murder, attempted first-degree murder, and aggravated battery for the 2019 shooting. The five-day trial concluded with the jury entering deliberations.
The players
Jakharr Williams
The defendant in the murder trial who testified that he acted in self-defense.
Javon Britten
The victim who was shot and killed at the Orland Square mall.
The details
Video surveillance presented in court showed Williams following Britten and two friends through the mall before the fatal shooting in the chest. The defendant previously had a separate altercation with the victim at a gas station in December 2018.
Timeline
Jakharr Williams and Javon Britten had an altercation at a gas station in December 2018.
Javon Britten was shot and killed at Orland Square mall on January 21, 2019.
The murder trial concluded and the jury began deliberations in October 2026.
Legal Context
This trial follows the legal proceedings initiated after the 2019 Orland Square mall shooting. The case highlights how self-defense claims are adjudicated in high-profile violent crime incidents within the jurisdiction.
The conclusion of this trial brings closure to a long-standing case regarding public safety at a local shopping center. Residents of Orland Park can expect updates on the jury's verdict as the legal process moves toward sentencing or acquittal.
The takeaway
Jury deliberations are the final step in a multi-year legal process following a violent incident at a public space. Understanding how self-defense is argued in court provides insight into the local judicial system.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing legal matters, visit the Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Tribune.
