The capital murder trial for Jamaurea Jermaine Britton, 22, continued into its fifth day Tuesday at the Smith County Courthouse in Tyler, focusing on forensic evidence and police testimony regarding the 2023 death of Dejah Hood, 18. A forensic anthropologist detailed the victim’s injuries, while a Tyler Police Department detective presented body camera footage and surveillance video critical to the case.
A forensic anthropologist from Dallas, specializing in trauma analysis, testified that Hood’s body showed neck fractures. The anthropologist stated these injuries could only have been inflicted at the time of death, requiring a substantial amount of force.
A detective with the Tyler Police Department took the stand, and the court viewed body camera footage from his investigation. The footage showed the detective entering Britton’s apartment. In the recording, Britton told the detective that Hood and another friend were supposed to assist him with moving. When asked if Hood was still alive, Britton claimed he believed she was and asserted he "never touched her." The prosecutor later asked the detective if Britton's statements were proven false, and the detective responded affirmatively.
The detective’s testimony also included observations from the apartment, noting that spray paint "still appeared to have moisture" and describing the presence of paint under a couch as unusual. The detective further indicated that Britton’s explanation for the repositioned furniture in the apartment was confusing. The body camera footage additionally captured the detective’s discovery of Hood’s body and Britton’s subsequent arrest.
Surveillance video from a Walmart location was also shown to the court, depicting Britton and Hood at a self-checkout counter. They purchased a knife, a lug wrench, and a couple of toys. The detective testified that the knife acquired in this video was one of the weapons used to kill Hood.
The court was then shown a three-hour interview of Britton conducted at the Tyler Police Department. During the interview, Britton admitted to buying the wrench but denied purchasing the knife. Britton also told interviewers he had not touched Hood’s phone. However, a separate surveillance video presented showed Britton exiting a car and throwing the phone onto the roof of a bail bond business.
Jamaurea Jermaine Britton, 22, is charged with capital murder in connection with the 2023 death of Dejah Hood, 18. The trial continues at the Smith County Courthouse.
