MOBILE, Ala. — A Mobile County judge has found probable cause in the murder case against Jakoby Fowler, the 24-year-old Mobile man accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend inside his Hillcrest Estates apartment in June, sending the case to a grand jury and leaving his bond at $1 million.
Fowler is charged in the death of 21-year-old Saimara Washington, who detectives say was found dead on the bed in the master bedroom of the apartment. At Fowler’s preliminary hearing this week, investigators testified that Fowler admitted to the shooting, and a detective described what Washington’s family told police about a history of violence between the two.
Washington’s relatives became emotional in the courtroom as investigators described the shooting and what Fowler allegedly told police. The family declined to comment after the hearing.
What investigators say happened
According to testimony, Fowler called Washington after work on June 17, and the two went out to eat before returning to his apartment. Fowler told police they watched a streaming show together.
Investigators said that about 30 minutes later, Fowler became agitated and began pacing the room. He then grabbed a .40-caliber handgun and started shooting Washington, according to testimony. Investigators said Fowler told police he kept shooting until the gun clicked.
Testimony indicated Washington was shot more than a dozen times, and her autopsy documented 30 bullet wounds. Neighbors and other witnesses told police they heard the couple arguing before hearing multiple loud sounds.
“That it was a gruesome scene and that it is an incredibly tragic and completely unnecessary circumstance,” said Jennifer Susman, chief assistant district attorney for Mobile County.
Fowler was taken into custody at the scene.
A cousin’s account and a reported history of violence
According to testimony, members of Fowler’s family arrived at the apartment before police. His cousin found him sitting in his car and told investigators that Fowler said he had “f—ed up.”
A detective testified that Fowler showed no remorse when he was questioned by police, and investigators said Fowler told them he did not feel remorse.
The detective also testified that Washington’s family described a history of violence in the relationship. Relatives told investigators Fowler had choked Washington before and that he “always hits her,” according to testimony. Police said they recovered a photo that appears to show Fowler choking Washington inside a vehicle.
Prosecutor: ‘These are real people’
Susman said the hearing was difficult for Washington’s family to sit through.
“These are real people. This is their real suffering that they’re experiencing. And this is an incredibly difficult situation,” Susman said.
In a statement, the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office said it would stand with Washington’s loved ones.
“A woman’s life has been taken, and her family is facing a loss that no prosecution can undo,” the statement said. “Domestic violence causes devastating harm, and we see far too much of it. Our office will stand with Ms. Washington’s loved ones and seek justice on her behalf.”
Defense asks for patience and a lower bond
Fowler’s defense attorney, Christine Hernandez, asked the court to lower her client’s bond, arguing that he has no criminal history and that he cooperated with police.
“He doesn’t have any criminal history, and he did stay on scene, and he did talk to the police and he did so without counsel. And obviously there is remorse, despite what they say,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez said the full picture has not yet come out in court.
“It’s an awful tragedy that someone died, and it is horrible as far as when someone dies from gun violence,” she said. “And I’m not saying that, you know, what happened is not a terrible, terrible thing, but there are often other factors to consider, and sometimes it has other explanations as far as why something happened besides what they say in court.”
She said her investigation is continuing and could examine factors such as mental health or medications.
“Sometimes they have to do with mental health, and sometimes they have to do with medications, and sometimes they have to do with other things, and so that’s typically where our investigation continues,” Hernandez said. “An arrest is not a conviction. And you have to look at a lot of other things that are involved.”
Judge keeps bond at $1 million
Prosecutors opposed any reduction and, in fact, asked the court to raise Fowler’s bond.
“We could not disagree with that more. In fact, we asked for an increased bond,” Susman said. “We will do anything we can to protect the community, and we will continue to have to keep violent offenders behind bars.”
Judge Zoghby left the bond at $1 million.
“There are things that came out today during testimony that makes me want to keep the bond as it is,” the judge said.
What a probable cause finding means
A preliminary hearing is an early step in a felony case. At the hearing, a judge does not decide whether a defendant is guilty. Instead, the judge decides whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence to establish probable cause — a reasonable basis to believe a crime was committed and that the defendant committed it. That standard is far lower than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard required for a conviction at trial.
Because the judge found probable cause, Fowler’s case now goes to a Mobile County grand jury. In Alabama, a grand jury reviews evidence in felony cases and decides whether to return an indictment formally charging the defendant. If Fowler is indicted, the case would move to circuit court, where it would proceed toward arraignment, pretrial hearings and, potentially, a trial or plea agreement.
Fowler is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
Help for people experiencing domestic violence
Testimony in the case highlighted a reported history of violence in the relationship before Washington’s death. Advocates stress that choking and strangulation in particular are recognized as serious warning signs of escalating danger in abusive relationships.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence can find confidential help:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233, or text “START” to 88788
- Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence statewide hotline: 1-800-650-6522
- In an emergency: Call 911
Local advocates can help with safety planning, shelter, protection orders and other resources. Friends and family members who are worried about a loved one can also contact these hotlines for guidance on how to help.