Gang member sentenced to 55 years for murder during pandemic

A member of the Black Disciples street gang has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for a murder committed in 2020, according to Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. Brodrick Jaamel Sayles, 37, was convicted by a Harris County jury for the murder of Demetrius Daniels, who was shot while sitting in his car on November 5, 2020.

“This was a brazen ambush in broad daylight by a gang member who thought he could get away with murder,” Ogg stated. “We’re thankful that a Harris County jury was able to see the truth and handed down justice for the victim’s family.”

The incident took place in a parking lot on Beechnut Street and was investigated by the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Unit – Gang Murder Squad. Surveillance footage showed Sayles arriving at the scene and hiding between two Dumpsters before shooting Daniels as he sat behind the wheel of his Toyota Camry.

At the time of the crime, Sayles was out on bond for several charges including car theft and drug possession. It took nearly a year during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown before investigators could charge and arrest him due to his extensive criminal history.

Assistant District Attorneys Brett Batchelor and Lindsey Pearson prosecuted Sayles over four days. Pearson highlighted another incident involving Sayles: “He committed the murder in November, and then the next year, in April, he is shooting at a crowd of people in broad daylight at a gas station.” Batchelor added that video evidence clearly identified Sayles as the killer.

Sayles will have to serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible for parole.