Jasmin Thompson, a 25-year-old woman, stands accused of the second-degree murder of 43-year-old Jennira Roundtree, a Staten Island mother. The fatal stabbing occurred on January 7th outside Roundtree’s residence in the West Brighton Houses, a NYCHA housing project. Prior to surrendering to authorities at the 120th Precinct, Thompson maintained her innocence in an interview on LFTG Radio, asserting that she picked up the knife after Roundtree had already been fatally wounded. She claimed she feared for her life and acted in self-defense. While sources attribute the altercation to a social media dispute, Thompson’s attorney, Mario Gallucci, contests this narrative, describing the incident as a culmination of escalating hostilities reminiscent of the Hatfields and McCoys feud.
Gallucci claims that Roundtree and her associates had initiated prior assaults against Thompson’s sister and friend earlier that day. He argues that Roundtree instigated and perpetuated the confrontation, thereby justifying Thompson’s actions. This perspective contradicts accounts from sources who allege that Roundtree intervened to protect her young daughter from a group of girls who had initiated a fight with the child. A neighbor who witnessed part of the incident recounted seeing Roundtree being moved by police, profusely bleeding and gasping for air. She later succumbed to her injuries at Richmond University Medical Center.
Thompson’s account of the incident, as presented on the podcast, portrays Roundtree as the aggressor. She criticized Roundtree’s conduct, implying it was unbecoming of a mother and contrasting it with her own maternal instincts. Thompson described Roundtree as wielding golf clubs against children, further painting a picture of a violent and unreasonable individual. Despite her claims of self-defense and picking up the knife after the fact, law enforcement and sources connected to the investigation maintain that Thompson stabbed Roundtree multiple times in the chest during the chaotic brawl involving approximately 20 individuals. This starkly contrasts with Thompson’s assertion that she was not involved in the initial stabbing and only picked up the weapon out of fear.
The central point of contention revolves around who initiated the altercation and the sequence of events leading to Roundtree’s death. While Thompson’s attorney paints a picture of his client acting in self-defense after previous attacks on her family and friends, others portray Roundtree as a protective mother drawn into a fight she didn’t start. This conflicting narrative hinges on whether Roundtree was the aggressor, as Thompson claims, or if she was acting to protect her child, as other sources suggest. The legal proceedings will likely delve into these conflicting accounts to determine the truth of the matter.
Adding to the complexity of the case is Thompson’s prior criminal record, which includes six arrests and multiple assault charges. This history could potentially influence the jury’s perception of her character and credibility. Despite her past, Thompson adamantly denies being a killer, emphasizing her own motherhood and expressing remorse for Roundtree’s death. She claims the incident was not premeditated and that she never intended to take a life. This assertion directly challenges the second-degree murder charge, which implies intent to kill, and sets the stage for a legal battle centered on determining the precise nature of Thompson’s actions and her state of mind during the altercation.
The case hinges on establishing a clear timeline of events and determining the motivations and actions of all parties involved. The prosecution will likely present evidence supporting their claim that Thompson intentionally stabbed Roundtree, while the defense will likely focus on Thompson’s fear for her life and the alleged prior aggressions by Roundtree and her associates. The differing accounts of the incident, coupled with Thompson’s prior record, create a complex legal challenge that will require careful consideration of all evidence and testimony. The ultimate outcome will depend on how effectively each side can present their narrative and convince the jury of its veracity.
