Two men are facing first-degree murder charges in connection with a 2019 Pompano Beach homicide, authorities said. Derrick Jules, 32, appeared before Broward County Circuit Judge Florence Taylor Barner yesterday. He was ordered to be held without bond and to stay away from firearms if released. As reported by Local 10 News, Barner communicated the gravity of the charges, telling Jules, "Sir, you are charged with one count of murder premeditated and one count of robbery with a firearm."
In the early hours of December 20, 2019, Deputies and Pompano Beach Fire Rescue found Clarens Calixte fatally wounded at 327 SW Second Ave. He later succumbed to his injuries at Broward Health North Hospital. The lengthy investigation culminated with the identification of Jules and his alleged accomplice Benson Blaise as the prime suspects, according to a statement by BSO spokeswoman Miranda Grossman obtained by Local 10 News.
Benson Blaise, also 32, had been in custody since May for another case before being re-arrested on August 18 for the 2019 incident, according to records. Blaise, a convicted felon who was last released from prison in 2023, faces similar charges of first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm. His arraignment took place on August 19. The Broward County Main Jail has been holding Blaise without bond.
Derrick Jules was arrested in the Tampa area with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, reported by the Boca Post. His criminal history includes a conviction for grand theft and aggravated assault with a firearm. Jules was on probation until November 2026. Broward County Circuit Judge Michael Allen Usan is expected to preside over both cases. Detectives continue to encourage anyone with information about this or other cases to contact Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477 to remain anonymous.
