Defense Requests Defendant's Release Pending Trial

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The attorney for one of two co-defendants charged in the death of a 37-year-old woman, requested his client’s release on Aug. 26.

Chakeatia Jackson, 38, and her eldest son, 18-year-old Jaquell Jackson were charged with second-degree murder while armed for the murder of Tarshaqua Chappell. Chakeatia was arrested and charged on Dec. 9, 2021, she is currently released under the High Intensity Supervision Program. Jaquell was arrested and charged on Dec. 16, 2021. He is being held at the DC Jail.

Jaquell’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, requested Jaquell’s release under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) with GPS monitoring.

McDaniel said Jaquell has attempted to better himself while awaiting trial. He provided the court with a letter in support of Jaquell’s release.

Despite denying the teenager’s release on May 25, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan agreed to review the letter along with information that was previously provided. The motion for release was held pending a later decision.

Chakeatia has been in full compliance with release conditions, including successful weekly check ins, keeping her employment status up-to-date, and scheduling project empowerment classes.

Despite this compliance, her request to modify her release conditions was denied.

Judge Raffinan requested Chakeatia’s defense attorney, Errin Scialpi, file the request in writing, and for the prosecution to respond. Judge Raffinan said this would allow her to view the details of Chakeatia’s release more closely.

The prosecutor said she expects to have an indictment in the case by Aug. 31.

On Sept. 15, 2021, Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to the report of a shooting in front of a residential building on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. Upon arrival, officers found Chappell unconscious and suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to the chest and torso, according to court documents.

Prosecutors allege that Chakeatia was involved in a verbal dispute with adults and students at Ballou High School. She was allegedly followed home by two cars after deciding to leave. Jaquell is accused of shooting into the driver’s side window of one of the cars before fleeing, court documents state.

Judge Raffinan scheduled the next status hearing for Sept.14.

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Defense Requests Defendant’s Release Pending Trial