DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan denied a mother and son co-defendants’ request to withdraw their guilty pleas on Aug. 4.
On Oct. 24, 2024, Chakeatia Jackson, 40, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Her son, Jaquell Jackson, 21, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for their involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Tarshaqua Chappell on Sept. 15, 2021, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.
The defendants said their previous attorneys had coerced them into the decision and misinformed them of their options.
In the previous hearing, Chakeatia’s attorney, Kevin Irving, stated that she had been in an extremely emotional and confused state when she was pressured by her previous lawyer, Errin Scialpi, to sign papers and agree with any of the judge’s questions.
Jaquell’s attorney, Megan Allburn, offered a different argument, stating that his previous lawyer, Brian McDaniel, was misinformed about the plea deals. Jaquell reportedly believed that his mother would only receive a plea deal if he accepted one as well, leading him to agree to terms despite wanting to proceed to trial.
During the Aug. 4 hearing, Judge Ryan denied the motion stating the defendants were both ready for sentencing.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 12.
