Shooting Defendant’s Request for Release Denied

By D.C. Witness Staff - December 4, 2023
Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects |

On Dec. 1, non-fatal shooting defendant Purnell Jackson’s request for release was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe. 

Jackson, 37, is charged with eight counts of assault with intent to kill, conspiracy, carjacking, and burglary, among other charges. He, along with Kharee Jackson, 24, and Charles Turner, 36, were allegedly involved in a drive-by shooting that left three people injured. The incident occurred on August 24, 2022, on the unit block of Quincy Place, NE.

Defense attorney Julie Swaney motioned for Jackson to be placed on home confinement with GPS monitoring to allow him to spend time with family and engage with the community. She says the case against him is weak due to no DNA evidence and he lacks a history of violent crime.

Prosecution countered that while he has no violent crime history, he has an extensive history of drug and firearm convictions. They also stated DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found substantial probability that he was involved in the carjacking in Jackson’s preliminary hearing. 

Prosecutors also referred to the serious nature of the crime, saying Jackson would be a “serious danger” to the community if released. 

Jackson’s release motion was denied, with Judge O’Keefe citing his criminal history and the nature of the crime as reasons for the denial. 

Parties will reconvene August 8, 2024, for a trial readiness hearing.