Brazos County Jury Delivers Life Sentence for Murder Conviction

On May 6, 2024, a Brazos County jury delivered a verdict, sentencing Tarod London of Hempstead to life in prison after finding him guilty of murder. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on July 25, 2021, when officers from the College Station Police Department responded to a welfare concern at the Crescent Pointe Apartments.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a trail of blood leading to London’s apartment. Inside, they found the body of 18-year-old Roshainah Tompkins, who had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Tompkins, who had dated London on and off for years, was identified as the victim.

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence detailing London’s movements leading up to the discovery of Tompkins’ body. This included surveillance footage, cell tower data, and witness testimonies. It was revealed that London had driven with Tompkins’ body in his car before disposing of it in his apartment.

Despite London’s claims of self-defense, the jury rejected his defense and returned a guilty verdict for murder. Assistant District Attorneys Kristin Burns and Ryan Golden prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Texas, with assistance from Investigator Mike Johse and Victim Assistance Coordinator Melissa Carter. The investigation was conducted jointly by the College Station Police Department and the Texas Rangers.

In a statement following the verdict, Assistant District Attorneys Burns and Golden said, “”There is no number of years that will account for the loss of a life, but the jury’s verdict in this case makes the entire Brazos Val- ley safer.”