Carjacker who beat man to death in Fort Worth accepts prosecutor’s plea offer
A defendant who used his hands and feet to beat a man who had given him a ride in a vehicle entered into an agreement with a Tarrant County prosecutor last week and pleaded guilty to murder.
Jarmel Johnson in December 2023 hit and kicked Chase DeBerger during a carjacking near a highway service road in east Fort Worth, authorities said. Johnson left the scene when onlookers approached.
DeBerger’s death about three weeks later was caused by complications from blunt force injuries, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office. DeBerger was 33.
In an auxiliary state district court in Tarrant County, Justice Lee Gabriel on Friday sentenced Johnson to 28 years in prison. The length of the prison term was the subject of a plea bargain agreement.
Had Johnson, 35, been found guilty of murder at trial, a jury or judge would have assessed punishment at between 25 and 99 years, or life, in prison.
DeBerger was robbed in the 100 block of the East Loop 820 southbound service road, according to Fort Worth police.
Johnson was indicted on murder in the case in May 2024. He was previously convicted of aggravated robbery, robbery, theft and burglary of habitation, according to district clerk records.
Assistant District Attorney Kim D’Avignon represented the state. Defense attorney Harmony Schuerman was appointed to represent Johnson.
This story was originally published July 1, 2025 at 8:31 AM.
