Damien Hill Jr. (“40”) and Quaila Daniels: Pittsburgh Homicide Victims, Jujuan Martin Arrested in Youngstown Following Double Murder; Additional Felony Charges Filed After Firearm Discovery
Youngstown, OH — On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Jujuan Martin, 32, was apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Youngstown, Ohio, in connection with a brutal double homicide that occurred in Pittsburgh just over a month ago. Martin, wanted for the February 20, 2025, shooting deaths of Damien Hill Jr., affectionately known as “40,” and Quaila Daniels in the Garfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh, was taken into custody after a dramatic arrest at the intersection of Mahoning and Schenley Avenues. Law enforcement officials acted on active warrants from Pittsburgh and requested the assistance of local police to track down the suspect.
The violent incident that claimed the lives of Hill and Daniels continues to weigh heavily on the Pittsburgh community. Both victims were reportedly targeted in a senseless shooting that shocked their families, friends, and neighbors. Authorities suspect Martin’s involvement in the tragic deaths, though the investigation remains ongoing. During his arrest, Martin attempted to flee, ramming a U.S. Marshals vehicle in a desperate bid to avoid capture. The collision, which resulted in only minor vehicle damage, did not cause injuries. However, in a harrowing twist, it was later discovered that a two-year-old child had been present in Martin’s vehicle during the chaotic arrest. Thankfully, the child was unharmed.
Following Martin’s capture, a search of his vehicle led to the discovery of a concealed, loaded semi-automatic handgun beneath the driver’s seat. This discovery has added additional felony charges to Martin’s legal troubles. He is now facing charges related to the firearm, including “felon in possession of a firearm” (a third-degree felony) and “improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle” (a fourth-degree felony).
Timeline of Events Leading to the Arrest
The arrest of Jujuan Martin in Youngstown was the culmination of weeks of intense investigation by law enforcement officials. The incident that led to the double homicide unfolded on the evening of February 20, 2025, in the Garfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Both Hill, known by the nickname “40,” and Daniels, were shot and killed in what authorities believe may have been a targeted attack. Though specifics of the crime have not been fully released to the public, the shooting has left a deep scar in the Pittsburgh community.
In the days following the double homicide, Pittsburgh police worked tirelessly to gather evidence, piece together witness statements, and track down suspects. As the investigation progressed, attention shifted toward Martin as a person of interest, with a growing body of evidence linking him to the deaths of Hill and Daniels.
A break in the case came when U.S. Marshals in Pittsburgh issued an arrest warrant for Martin. Acting on this warrant, local law enforcement in Youngstown became involved, and on Wednesday afternoon, they successfully located Martin’s vehicle. After spotting him at a nearby store, officers attempted to apprehend him, but Martin attempted to flee the scene, leading to the tense confrontation that resulted in his arrest. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the investigation, as authorities now have Martin in custody and can further build their case against him.
The Victims: Damien Hill Jr. (“40”) and Quaila Daniels
Damien Hill Jr., who went by the nickname “40,” was a young man beloved by his community, known for his deep ties to family and friends. A father, son, and sibling, Hill’s tragic death has left his loved ones devastated. His nickname, “40,” was often associated with his personality, and he was described as someone who had a promising future ahead of him before his untimely passing. The circumstances surrounding his death have left those who knew him struggling to come to terms with the reality of such a senseless act of violence.
Quaila Daniels, the other victim of the February double homicide, was also a deeply cherished individual within her community. Daniels was known for her strong character and caring nature. Loved by family, friends, and acquaintances alike, Daniels had a bright spirit that touched everyone she encountered. Like Hill, Daniels’ life was tragically cut short, and her loved ones are left mourning the loss of a beautiful soul. Her death, like Hill’s, has left an irreparable gap in the lives of those who cared for her.
The impact of these two losses reverberates throughout the Pittsburgh community. Loved ones of Hill and Daniels have expressed their sorrow publicly, underscoring the trauma caused by such violence. Statements released by individuals close to the victims speak to the deep grief that continues to be felt: “Our hearts remain with the loved ones of ’40’ and Quaila during this unimaginable time,” one such statement read. The echoes of these tragic deaths serve as a reminder of the often unpredictable and violent nature of life in some neighborhoods, especially when it comes to gun violence.
The Arrest of Jujuan Martin
The dramatic arrest of Jujuan Martin in Youngstown added a new layer of complexity to the case. While the manhunt for Martin was focused on apprehending him for his alleged role in the Pittsburgh double homicide, his arrest on additional felony charges for firearm possession brought further scrutiny to his actions. After U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement identified Martin’s location and attempted to arrest him, the situation quickly escalated when Martin attempted to flee, ramming the vehicle of the pursuing U.S. Marshals.
The collision, though minor, highlighted the level of desperation Martin displayed to avoid being taken into custody. Witnesses reported that Martin’s reckless driving and apparent disregard for law enforcement safety only intensified the dangers surrounding his apprehension. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
At the time of his arrest, Martin was reportedly accompanied by a two-year-old child in the vehicle. This detail has sparked concern, as it raises questions about Martin’s judgment and the potential harm that could have come to the child during the tense standoff. The child, fortunately, was unharmed and was later taken into protective custody, ensuring their safety amid the chaotic situation. This aspect of the case adds another layer of tragedy, as it highlights the potential risk to innocent lives caught in the crossfire of criminal behavior.
Following Martin’s arrest, law enforcement officers conducted a thorough search of the vehicle. They discovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun hidden beneath the driver’s seat. This discovery has led to the filing of additional charges against Martin, including “felon in possession of a firearm” and “improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle.” These charges now represent further complications for Martin as he faces legal proceedings in both Pittsburgh and Mahoning County, Ohio.
The Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences
Jujuan Martin’s arrest has set in motion a complex series of legal proceedings. At the time of writing, he is being held at the Mahoning County Jail and is expected to be arraigned in municipal court on Friday, April 6, 2025. The charges stemming from his February double homicide connection to Hill and Daniels, along with the additional firearm-related charges, carry significant legal weight.
The legal path ahead for Martin will likely be fraught with challenges, particularly as prosecutors continue to gather evidence and build a case for his involvement in the double homicide. Martin’s arrest in Youngstown has not only brought him closer to facing justice for the deaths of Hill and Daniels but also highlighted the ongoing problem of gun violence in many U.S. cities. Law enforcement is expected to proceed with careful deliberation, ensuring that all of Martin’s actions, including the use of the firearm and the potential impact on his young child, are considered as they move forward with legal proceedings.
For the families of Damien Hill Jr. and Quaila Daniels, the fight for justice has only just begun. While the arrest of Martin represents a significant step in bringing closure to the horrific deaths of their loved ones, it is clear that the road ahead will be long and emotionally charged. Many individuals within the Pittsburgh community are holding their breath as the case continues to unfold, hoping that justice will ultimately prevail.
Conclusion
The deaths of Damien Hill Jr. and Quaila Daniels have left an indelible mark on their families and the Pittsburgh community. As authorities work to hold Jujuan Martin accountable for these senseless killings, their ongoing investigation serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by gun violence and the far-reaching consequences of such acts. Martin’s dramatic arrest in Youngstown adds to the complexity of the case, and his legal future now hangs in the balance as he faces not only homicide charges but also firearm-related offenses.
The loved ones of Hill and Daniels, as well as the broader Pittsburgh community, continue to mourn the loss of two innocent lives taken too soon. As the investigation progresses and legal proceedings unfold, it is clear that the quest for justice is only beginning for the families affected by this tragedy. The arrest of Martin marks a critical moment in the pursuit of justice, but the road to healing will be a long and painful one for all those left behind.