2 Charged With Murder In Alleged Drug Deal Killing

Two brothers accused of robbing and killing a 25-year-old man during a drug deal gone bad in Corona were charged today with first-degree murder and other felonies.

Jhavionn Rayshawn Peery, 19, and Joseph Ed Peery, 22, were arrested Wednesday after allegedly gunning down Brian McKnight of Riverside near the intersection of Griffin Way and McKinley Street, just south of the Riverside (91) Freeway.

Along with murder, the brothers are each charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and a special circumstance allegation of killing in the course of a robbery, with a sentence-enhancing gun use allegation.

Joseph Peery is being held without bail, while Jhavionn Peery is being held in lieu of $1 million bail -- both at the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside. A third defendant, a 16-year-old boy whose identity has not been released, was being held at Riverside Juvenile Hall.

The Peerys are slated to make their initial court appearance this afternoon.

Corona police Sgt. Kim Velasco said the fatal shooting happened about 3:25 p.m. Wednesday when the three defendants met up with McKnight "for an alleged illegal drug transaction."

"During this time, the victim was robbed and shot twice," Velasco said.

She said officers arrived moments later and discovered McKnight unconscious and witnesses performing CPR on him. The victim was rushed to Riverside Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The defendants fled the scene, but were spotted by a Corona police officer on the westbound 91.

Velasco said the officer attempted to stop the SUV, but the driver sped away, heading north on the Corona (71) Expressway. The driver eventually stopped near Euclid Avenue in Chino, and all three occupants surrendered without incident, according to Velasco.

She said a handgun was located inside the vehicle.

Court records do not reveal any prior criminal history by either brother.--City News Service