On Monday, Demetrius Jackson Jr., 23, was found guilty of reckless manslaughter and three counts of second-degree assault for his involvement in the July 3, 2020, shooting at the Riverchase Galleria in Alabama. It took the jury seven hours of deliberations over two days to reach a verdict.
The jury was instructed to consider several possible charges, including capital murder, which carries the death penalty in Alabama, reckless murder, or reckless manslaughter. Ultimately, they found Jackson guilty of the lesser charge of reckless manslaughter. His sentencing is set for March 17, 2025.
The shooting occurred near the food court on the first level of the Riverchase Galleria. According to authorities, a verbal altercation broke out between several men, including Jackson, King Williams, and Montez Coleman. Witnesses said Coleman shot at Williams and Jackson, who returned fire. Eight-year-old Royta Giles Jr. was struck and killed in the crossfire, and three others were injured.
Jackson, Williams, and Coleman were all charged with capital murder following the incident. However, in 2024, Williams and Coleman pleaded guilty to reckless murder and three counts of second-degree assault. Reckless murder, a Class A felony, carries a more severe sentence than reckless manslaughter. Jackson, by contrast, was found guilty of the lesser charge after his trial.
During closing arguments, Jefferson County Deputy District Attorney Julie McMakin told the jury, “Everyone who shot was wrong” and “Everyone wrong is responsible.” She emphasized that all three shooters were responsible for Royta’s death under Alabama’s accomplice liability law.
Jackson’s defense attorney, Victor Revill, argued that his client was acting in self-defense. Additionally, he claimed Jackson was walking away when Coleman fired his gun and that Jackson had the right to defend himself. After the verdict, Revill spoke to reporters.
“We respect the jury’s verdict. We respect the jury’s decision. Obviously, we wanted something different. We wanted him to be found not guilty of everything.”
Jackson faces sentencing on March 17, 2025. He could receive a significant prison sentence for reckless manslaughter and second-degree assault.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
