Defendant With No Priors Pleads Guilty to First-Degree Murder

By Samira Cobon [former] - March 14, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On March 12, Judge Jennifer B. Schiffer sentenced 22-year-old Rakim Muhammad, who pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, to 45 years in prison.

Muhammad’s guilty plea also included a charge for firearm use in a felony violent crime. Overall, Muhammad’s sentence is life, suspending all but 45 years, with five years of supervised probation for first-degree murder and 10 years, the first five years without the possibility of parole, with five years of supervised probation for firearm use in a felony violent crime. He will also have to register as a gun offender upon release.

The hearing commenced with testimony from loved ones of the victim–33-year-old Ernest Jackson IV. Jackson’s mother spoke first, telling Judge Schiffer that all she has “now are pictures” of her son, which bring her joy yet sadness at the same time. 

“I can’t even watch soccer on television anymore,” exclaimed Jackson’s mother after sharing details of the sports Jackson played during his life.

“You took that away from me,” she said as she faced Muhammad. “My life will never be the same,” and “his daughter’s life will never be the same,” said Jackson’s mother. 

Next, Jackson’s partner spoke about how her partner’s death has impacted her and the children they shared.

“Do you know how difficult it is to tell a 1-year-old that her dad is dead … or a 9-year-old?” Jackson’s partner asked. Jackson’s partner told the court that kids at school were making fun of their nine-year-old daughter because her father passed away and that he would no longer be able to take her to her middle school dances all because of his murder on July 26, 2022.

Following statements from the victim’s family, defense attorney Donald Wright spoke on behalf of those who personally know Muhammad. Wright stated that when talking to Muhammad’s loved ones, “they are stunned he’s involved in something like this,” explaining that it is out of his character especially since he had no prior charges.

Wright told Judge Schiffer that Muhammad’s actions were a result of untreated mental health struggles; he informed the judge of Muhammad’s medical diagnoses including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. 

Wright asked Juge Schiffer to sentence Muhammad to 30 years in prison with five years of supervised probation, so that his client could get the help he needs and because Muhammad’s guilty plea saved Jackson’s family the pain of a murder trial. 

Muhammad’s mother agreed with Wright as she told the court that “it’s really not his character,” referring to the action he committed against Jackson on the day of the incident. 

Muhammad said on his own behalf he wants to “take responsibility for [his] actions” and apologized to Jackson’s family. “I’m sorry for your loss,” he said, facing Jackson’s family.

Judge Schiffer stated that “nothing would have foreshadowed what would’ve happened” on the day of the incident. “I’ve never seen somebody with a spotless record with this” severe of a charge, she said. 

After taking into consideration all of the statements, Judge Schiffer decided upon a 45 year total sentence for Muhammad and said she would be open to reconsideration in the future if Muhammad agreed to partake in rehabilitation programs and proved he wanted to better himself.