The killing of the a 15-year-old boy in March was like an “execution,” a Hamilton County judge said in court on April 22.
Jah’Meier Jackson, 19, is charged with murder in the killing of Nazir Owens around midnight March 22. Officers found Owens already dead after being shot inside a North Avondale residence that night.
Prior to his death, Owens was considered a missing child by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for nearly two years. It is unclear if anyone knew about the teen’s whereabouts between when he went missing and when he was killed. Police spokesman Sgt. Anthony Mitchell said it is possible police were not updated on Owens’ return.
Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge William Mallory read prosecutors’ court filings aloud during Jackson’s arraignment April 22, likening the shooting to an execution.
Surveillance video footage showed Jackson shooting Owens with a handgun multiple times, Mallory read from court filings. When Owens collapsed to the ground, Jackson fired another shot from above him.
Prosecutors described Jackson as having a “history of violence” in his juvenile record. Jackson’s attorney denied the allegations and said that surveillance video in the “close-quarters” of a residence does not clearly depict Jackson as the shooter.
Shooter also charged with punching, choking sister
Jackson, of North College Hill, is also facing two charges of domestic violence and strangulation, court records show.
Police say Jackson punched his sister in the face, slammed her to the ground and choked her during an argument, causing her to pass out, according to court filings.
Jackson had allegedly attacked his sister in February and warrants were signed by police for his arrest shortly after. He had been wanted by police since then.
Jackson remains in custody at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $1 million bond.
The investigation by the department’s homicide unit is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call 513-352-3542.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Killing of a 15-year-old was like an ‘execution,’ investigators say
Reporting by David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
