Bond Granted for One of the Accused in Repo Man’s Death
Lexington County, S.C. – In a notable court decision this week, Essence Jackson, one of the two individuals charged in connection with the tragic death of a local repo man, was granted bond. After spending nearly three months behind bars at the Alvin S. Glenn detention center, the Richland County judge set her bond at $75,000.
During the hearing, Jackson’s attorney, Seth Rose, who also serves as a state representative, argued that allowing Jackson to be released on bond is her constitutional right. The judge decided in favor of Jackson, stipulating that she would remain under house arrest with electronic monitoring. She will be allowed certain exceptions for work and medical appointments.
An Emotional Case
The case revolves around the untimely death of Steve Hughes, a well-respected repo man known in the community for his involvement in various local Facebook groups, especially the one called “Happenings in Lexington, South Carolina.” Hughes was found shot in his truck after a repo attempt gone tragically wrong. The following investigation led to the arrests of Jackson and her brother, Raheem DeAngelo Jackson, who is only 20 years old.
While Essence Jackson has been charged as a co-conspirator in this murder case, Rose emphasized to the judge that she did not pull the trigger. Rose described her as “an impeccable person,” highlighting her lack of any criminal history and her clean driving record. Jackson, he mentioned, has spent her life as an honor roll student, graduated from Lower Richland High School, and has never had even a speeding ticket.
The Victim’s Family Speaks Out
Yet, the emotions surrounding this case are intense, particularly for Hughes’s family. His daughter, Stephanie Hughes, had fervently hoped the bond would not be granted. In her heartfelt statement, she reflected, “I think that the things that are supposed to happen will happen. He was laid in the most beautiful way possible, and those who deserve to be punished will face their consequences.”
Stephanie expressed her anguish that while Essence may not have been the one who shot her father, she still walked past his dying body without offering help. This sentiment struck a chord during the hearing, as prosecutors revealed this crucial detail, which presents a challenging aspect to Jackson’s case.
The Judge’s Perspective
In a balanced approach, Circuit Court Judge Thomas Cooper remarked, “The law cannot just look at the eyes of the victim; it has to look at both sides.” It’s a poignant reminder of the complexities that often underlie legal proceedings, especially in cases involving serious crimes like this one.
What’s Next?
As it stands, Essence Jackson does not yet have a scheduled date for her next court appearance, while her brother Raheem remains behind bars without a motion for bond hearing submitted. With so many lives impacted by this tragic event, the community is holding their breath, waiting to see how the case will unfold.
In the meanwhile, this incident serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictability of life and the heartache that can arise from violent acts. As updates continue to emerge, both the local community and those following the case remain hopeful for justice and clarity as the legal proceedings progress.
