Guilty Verdicts and Life Sentences

Two individuals, Julie Jean and Zakee Alhakim, have been found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for their involvement in the murder of Philadelphia school teacher Rachel King. The verdict was reached on Thursday, concluding a harrowing legal battle over the murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the death of 35-year-old King.

Murder Scene and Background

Rachel King was tragically shot to death in front of her 11-year-old son, Jalen, while waiting in a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru line at the Melrose Shopping Center in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, on April 11, 2023. Investigators revealed that Alhakim, 34, stalked King from her home at the Lynnewood Garden Apartments to the Dunkin’ Donuts, where he approached her car and fired multiple shots.

Motive and Conspiracy

Prosecutors unveiled a disturbing motive behind the murder, alleging that Julie Jean, 35, orchestrated the plot due to her involvement with King’s longtime boyfriend, William Hayes. When Hayes ended his relationship with Jean, she reportedly harassed both Hayes and King, leading Hayes to seek a Protection From Abuse Order against Jean. Jean, in turn, hired Alhakim to carry out the deadly attack.

Pre-Meditation and Preparation

Evidence presented during the trial revealed a chilling level of pre-meditation and preparation. Jean and Alhakim had reportedly met multiple times leading up to the murder, with Alhakim even saving photos of King on his phone and mapping out her residence in Cheltenham. Additionally, the pair purchased a vehicle, a Mercury Sable, weeks before the murder, which was later identified as the vehicle used in the attack.

Police Involvement and Evidence

The investigation took a significant turn when the Mercury Sable was spotted by police in Philadelphia on the day of King’s murder in connection to an unrelated shooting. Alhakim attempted to flee but was apprehended after crashing the vehicle. Subsequent analysis linked shell casings from the Philadelphia shooting to those found at the Dunkin’ Donuts murder scene, leading investigators to conclude that a ghost gun was used in both incidents.

Emotional Impact and Sentencing

Before Jean and Alhakim were sentenced, emotional witness impact statements were given by Rachel King’s family. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele described the murder as a cold-blooded act, leaving a young boy without his mother in a tragic moment of vengeance. Neither defendant chose to testify in their own defense, with Jean’s attorney already initiating an appeal process following the sentencing.

Rachel King’s Family Reacts

Reflections and Memories

Following the sentencing, Rachel King’s siblings, Allen and Ahyana King, shared their thoughts and memories of their sister. They described Rachel as a beacon of light, life, and joy, highlighting her advocacy and kindness. As the one-year anniversary of her death approaches, they reminisced about the small interactions and moments they miss the most.

Impact on Rachel’s Son

Despite the trauma of losing his mother in such a horrific manner, Rachel’s son, Jalen, has shown remarkable resilience. According to Allen and Ahyana, Jalen has adjusted well and still fondly remembers his mother. Upon learning of

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