Mother and Son Murder Co-Defendants Request Severance

By Lindsay Mutzman [former] - June 10, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Defense attorneys representing a mother and son duo, alleged to have perpetrated a homicide, filed a motion to sever their cases before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan during a June 7 hearing. 

Jaquell Jackson, 20, and Chakeatia Jackson, 39, are charged with second-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Tarshaqua Chappell on Sept. 15, 2021, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.  

According to court documents, the murder stemmed from a verbal altercation between Chakeatia and Chappell at Ballou High School on the 3400 block of 4th Street, SE. Following the altercation, Chakeatia and Jaquell were allegedly seen pointing at Chappell’s vehicle and shots being fired on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.  

Brian McDaniel, Jaquell’s attorney, and Errin Scialpi, Chakeatia’s attorney, expressed concern regarding a joint trial, arguing that if the mother-and-son are tried together, it could cause prejudicial or misleading testimony by one defendant or the other due to their relationship. 

However, the prosecution argued that since this is a mother-and-son relationship, a son would listen to his mother’s directions. Judge Raffinan rebutted, stating that this is the exact prejudice that the defense is worried about. 

Prosecutors also requested Chakeatia, who is released, be required to attend hearings in person due to alleged misconduct during her remote appearance, including driving while she was participating in the hearing, and making threatening statements. 

Parties are slated to return to further discuss the severance motion July 2.