Woman Charged with Murder Alongside Eldest Son Seeks Release

By D.C. Witness Staff - January 6, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Mother and son co-defendants Jaquell and Chakeatia Jackson are awaiting trial on charges of second-degree murder while armed. The defense attorney for 37-year-old Chakeatia is now seeking her client’s release from custody.

The two are charged in connection with the death of 37-year-old Tarshaqua Chappell on Sept. 15, 2021, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. 

Prosecutors allege that Chakeatia was involved in a verbal dispute with adults and students at Ballou High School, according to court documents. She was seemingly followed home by two cars after deciding to leave. Jaquell, 18, is accused of shooting into the driver’s side window of one of the cars before fleeing.

Jaquell was arrested less than one week after his mother. He was not present for the Jan. 5 proceedings due to being in quarantine at DC Jail. However, family members were present in the courtroom.

In a motion, Chakeatia’s defense attorney, Errin Scialpi, argued that there is not enough evidence against her client to hold her without bond. 

“Specifically, there is no evidence that Ms. Jackson was aware of the intended shooting before it occurred, nor that she intended for the shooting to occur,” she stated.

Sciapli also pointed out Chakeatia’s employment history as a teacher assistant and her limited criminal history.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan decided to hold off on making a ruling as parties await a preliminary hearing, at which time they are expected to discuss release prior to trial. A date for that hearing has yet to be set.