Murder Defendant Pleads Down to Voluntary Manslaughter

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A murder victim’s mother spoke to a DC Superior Court judge as the defendant convicted in his death accepted the prosecution’s plea deal.

Aaron Jackson was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed in the stabbing of 36-year-old Jamaul Crockett on Nov. 5, 2020, on the 600 block of Lamont Street, NW.

During the June 24 hearing, the 41-year-old defendant pleaded down to voluntary manslaughter while armed. As part of the plea deal, the prosecution agreed to recommend a nine-and-a-half-year sentence.

Crockett’s mother was virtually present at the remote hearing. She thanked Judge Milton Lee for his work but disagreed with the recommended sentence. Instead, she thought Jackson should serve 12.5 years.

“He does nothing with his life besides get high,” she said.

Jackson was smoking K2 when he stabbed Crockett, according to court documents.

“What occurred in this case that we see all too often is simply a tragedy,” Judge Lee said. He told Crockett’s mother he takes what she says seriously, and he knows no sentence will satisfy her, since it won’t be able to undo her son’s murder.

“I have to make a very tough decision,” Judge Lee said.

Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 15.