A man filled with hate and racism will now spend the rest of his life behind bars for killing a Black man in a senseless and unprovoked attack. This shocking crime took place in Sacramento, California, and has left a deep wound in the local community. The victim’s family still struggles to understand the cruelty behind the act.
What Happened in Sacramento?
On the evening of June 9, 2024, 38-year-old James Roseman was working on his car near a check-cashing shop in the Arden-Arcade area of Sacramento. He was just fixing some fuses when Joseph Paul DeMarco, 48, drove by and shot him from a vehicle.
DeMarco, a known white supremacist, had no connection to Roseman. He was simply looking for a Black person to harm. Just before the murder, he had claimed that a Black man had robbed him, and in revenge, he armed himself with a .22 caliber handgun and drove around looking for Black victims.
A Crime Caught on Video
The entire incident was recorded on video. Roseman was seen standing after being shot, trying to survive, before falling again to the ground. He later died from the injury. Another Black man was also shot at that night, near a 7-Eleven, but survived with a grazing wound.
Prosecutors described the attack as a hate crime and a form of domestic terrorism. The jury found DeMarco guilty of first-degree murder with hate crime enhancements and gun-related charges.
No Remorse, No Parole
During the nearly 90-minute sentencing hearing, DeMarco showed no regret. He remained emotionless and refused to speak when given the chance, except to say, “I’m not guilty, ma’am.” Judge Maryanne Gilliard called the evidence against him “overwhelming” and labelled him “dangerous and unstable.”
He was sentenced to life in prison without any chance of parole. The judge also mentioned a disturbing video shown in court where DeMarco was seen hanging a Black baby chick because he believed “Black and white chickens shouldn’t mix.”
A Family’s Deep Pain
Roseman’s family gave heartbreaking statements during the sentencing. His mother, Rose Bryant, said she had spoken to her son the day before he died and remembered how hopeful he was. She described her pain as “unbearable.”
His sister, Latrina Davis, spoke directly to DeMarco, saying, “You couldn’t see past the color of his beautiful Black skin.” She added, “You are the reason why our world will never be the same.”
Roseman was remembered as a caring father, son, and brother. His family said he was working hard to improve his life and had big plans for the future.
Weapons and Past Crimes
DeMarco was already a convicted felon from 2014, which meant he was not legally allowed to own guns. Yet after his arrest, police found several weapons at his home, including rifles and handguns of various calibers.
His accomplice, who was driving the car during the shooting, later testified in court. He said DeMarco had circled the block in search of more victims, proving that the crime was planned and targeted.