HUNTINGTON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO BLUDGEONING GIRLFRIEND TO DEATH

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that a Huntington man has pleaded guilty to an indictment in which he was charged with killing his girlfriend during a dispute in a Huntington boarding room.  Christopher Jackson fled the scene then turned himself to police a week later.

“This is a tragic case of domestic violence that ended with the senseless death of the victim and now this defendant will have to pay for his actions in prison,” said Tierney. “While this won’t bring the victim back, the defendant has been called to account for his actions.”

Jackson, 46, plead guilty today before Judge Karen Wilutis, to Manslaughter in the First Degree. Jackson faces up to 23 years in prison plus five years of post-release supervision. He is being represented by Christopher Gioe and scheduled to be sentenced on April 13.

According to court filings and statements by defendant, on January 18, 2021 police were called to the Suffolk Hotel on Elm Street in the Village of Huntington regarding an odor emanating from one of the boarding rooms located there.  When they arrived, police discovered the body of Mareasa Westcott decomposing under the sheets.   A note was found on her body that said, in part, “I’m so, so sorry, I panicked, and I’m running.”   The note was written by Jackson.  The victim was examined by the Suffolk County medical examiner who noted Westcott suffered a fractured skull, nose, and orbital bone.  Jackson and the victim had a domestic incident two nights prior to the discovery of Westcott’s body.    

On January 25, 2021, Jackson surrendered to the Suffolk County Police Department.  During his interview he admitted he struck her while she was lying on the bed, at least two times with a piece of wood from the bed frame.

This case was prosecuted by Bureau Chief Raphael Pearl of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Dena Rizopoulos.

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Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments.

Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.

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