Executive Summary
- Jamal Brooks sentenced to up to 70 years in prison for 2024 shooting.
- Defendant convicted of attempted homicide and assault of a law enforcement officer.
- Incident originated from an armed robbery at a Crumbl Cookie in Monroeville.
- Brooks represented himself during the trial and cross-examined the victim.
Jamal Brooks, 34, of Aliquippa, was sentenced on Monday to a prison term of up to 70 years for the shooting of a Monroeville police sergeant following an armed robbery in January 2024. The sentencing concludes a case that involved Brooks representing himself against charges of attempted homicide and assault of a law enforcement officer.
According to court documents, Brooks received a sentence of 20 to 40 years for the assault of a law enforcement officer and a consecutive term of 15 to 30 years for attempted homicide. A jury found Brooks guilty in October of these charges, along with aggravated assault and several firearms violations.
The events leading to the conviction began in January 2024, when police reported that Brooks committed an armed robbery at a Crumbl Cookie location. Monroeville Police Sergeant James MacDonald subsequently identified Brooks, noting he matched the description of the robbery suspect. During the ensuing encounter, Brooks shot Sergeant MacDonald twice.
Prosecutors presented dashcam footage during the trial that depicted the moment Sergeant MacDonald was fired upon while responding to the call. MacDonald survived the shooting and testified in court, where he was cross-examined by Brooks, who acted as his own defense attorney.
Judicial Outcome
The imposition of a sentence totaling up to 70 years underscores the gravity with which the judicial system regards acts of violence against law enforcement personnel. By stacking sentences for the assault on an officer and attempted homicide, the court has delivered a verdict that aligns with stringent sentencing guidelines for violent felonies involving public safety officials. While the U.S. justice system operates on the fundamental principle that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, this case has now concluded with the affirmation of guilt by a jury and the finality of sentencing.
