Indiana Man Says ‘It Is What It Is’ After Shooting Girlfriend’s Ex While Babysitting

An Indiana man was sentenced to life in prison after he shot and killed his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend while the victim was babysitting.

Prosecutors said Zakeen F. Jones carried out a jealous, execution-style killing inside a home in Michigan.

The victim was babysitting when Jones shot him.

Saginaw County Circuit Judge Andre R. Borrello sentenced Jones on March 25, 2026, to life in a state correctional facility without the possibility of parole.

Jones was convicted by a jury in January for first-degree premeditated murder and multiple firearm-related felonies in connection with the March 2023 killing. The court also imposed three consecutive two-year sentences and ordered Jones to pay a fine of $1,218.

The victim, a 33-year-old man, was identified as Devon L. Williams. Williams was shot while babysitting at a Michigan home in March 2023.

During the March 25 sentence hearing, Jones showed little emotion when given the opportunity to speak, according to MLive. “I am cool, man,” he told the court. “It is what it is.”

The remark drew sharp criticism from Williams’ family. The victim’s mother appeared via Zoom and urged the court to impose the harshest sentence. “He didn’t know the person he killed, he just chose to kill somebody and make jokes about it,” she said.

“He needs to get as much time as is permitted,” she added. “He doesn’t show any remorse for anything he did. He just chose to kill someone and make jokes about it.”

After the sentence was imposed, applause broke out in the courtroom before Judge Borrello restored order.

Prosecutors said the killing was fueled by jealousy, arguing that Jones wanted to “obliterate the competition” after discovering messages between his fiancée, Markeisha R. Burns-Cross, and her former partner.

The case dates to March 29, 2023, when Jones and Burns-Cross traveled from Indiana to mid-Michigan for a family event. Burns-Cross had previously dated Williams, and both shared a child.

The couple spent the evening drinking in Bay City before an argument erupted over Jones reportedly speaking to another woman, according to Burns-Cross’s testimony. Angry with Jones, Burns-Cross began texting Williams, and they arranged to meet.

The dispute escalated when Jones went through Burns-Cross’s phone and found the messages between her and Williams. Enraged, Jones ordered Burns-Cross to contact Williams and ask him to meet.

They then drove to the duplex where Williams was babysitting. Jones followed his girlfriend inside, where Williams’ expression changed as soon as he saw Jones, prosecutors said.

Williams tried to flee, but the front door was locked. Jones then fired multiple shots. Burns-Cross testified she heard, “pop, pop, pop.” Williams was struck several times.