DEFENDANT CHARGED WITH KILLING GIRLFRIEND ON HER 21ST BIRTHDAY

Jamon Jackson Was 18 When He Shot and Killed Ashley Cierra White and Burned Her Body

Testimony is underway in the murder trial of 21-year-old Jamon Jackson of Atlanta, charged with shooting to death and burning the body of 21-year-old Ashley Cierra White on August 10, 2005. The two were in Ashley's Honda Civic with a friend in the back seat when the defendant-who was driving-shot the victim in the face as they argued. Police say the passenger, Darnell Amaker, asked to be let out and jumped out along Campbellton Road. They say the defendant then drove to Roosevelt and McDonald Streets in College Park where he set the car, with Ms. White's body inside, on fire. Jackson is charged in a 7-count indictment with murder, felony murder, arson in the first degree, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, concealing the death of another and tampering with evidence. Ms. White remains were burned beyond recognition. She was identified using DNA technology.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Esmond Adams will continue the presentation of evidence tomorrow in Courtroom 5-C before Superior Court Judge Henry Newkirk and a jury. The trial begins each day at 9:00 a.m.

WHO: Jamon Jackson, defendant

WHAT: Murder trial underway

WHEN: March 14, 2008, 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: Courtroom 5-C
Fulton County Justice Center
185 Central Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303

CONTACT: Lyn Vaughn, 404.730.6860 (office); 770.597.6963 (cell); lyn.vaughn@co.fulton.ga.us