Media Release Cold Case Homicide

The Fort Wayne Police Department Cold Case / Homicide Unit along with the Allen County Prosecutors Office are announcing the closure of a triple homicide on 05-21-1988.

The victims, Durell Mitchell (age 3), Genayle Mitchell (age 5), and Jermaine Mitchell (age 11) were killed when Jarvis Jefferson, AKA: Rohi Isreal threw a Molotov Cocktail (fire bomb) into 2928 Central Dr. Fort Wayne, IN.

Detectives were approached by the Victim’s father wishing to discuss the case. Detectives began an intensive review of the case and all of the details. Detectives were able to speak with several witnesses, and former law enforcement officers from the case. Detectives analyzed evidence, statements, interviews, and crime scene details. Detectives identified a suspect who was ultimately identified by family members and friends to have been the suspect who threw the Molotov Cocktail into the Victim’s home through the front window. The Molotov Cocktail caused a massive and intense fire, that took the lives of three children, Durell, Genayle, and Jermaine Mitchell. The fire also injured several other family members of the Mitchell family.

Detectives identified the suspect to be Jarvis Jefferson, AKA: Rohi Isreal. Detectives learned that Jarvis Jefferson, AKA: Rohi Isreal died of a drug overdose on 12-28-2020.

Detectives drafted a case review and submitted the case review to the Allen County Prosecutors Office for review. The Fort Wayne Police Department believes that there is overwhelming evidence and charges would have been file against Jarvis Jefferson, AKA” Rohi Isreal for three counts of Murder.

Detectives of the Fort Wayne Police Department Cold Case, and Homicide Unit works continuously to seek justice for victims, and answers for the victim’s families.

The Fort Wayne Police Department is closing the triple homicide of Durell, Genayle, and Jermaine Mitchell by exceptional means because Jarvis Jefferson, AKA: Rohi Isreal is deceased.