STOCKTON, Calif. — The Stockton man accused in a weekend triple shooting and hostage situation made his first appearance in court Tuesday afternoon.
Sim Jackson, 39, made a surprising admission after hearing his rights and telling the judge he understood the charges against him.
- Judge: "What do you want to do with your case?"
- Jackson: “Guilty."
- Judge: “You know you can get life in prison. You want to talk to a lawyer? I’m not going to accept a guilty plea today at arraignment."
- Jackson: “I’ll talk to a lawyer, but definitely guilty."
- Judge: “Don’t say anymore, it might affect your defense."
Despite the judge's warning, Jackson continued to speak even after being assigned a public defender.
- Jackson: “I do want to apologize."
- Judge: “Don’t say anymore, anything you say is being taken down."
WATCH:
Jackson was seen mouthing "I'm sorry" to people in the courtroom before telling his public defender he wants his next court date as soon as possible, he’s guilty and wants to move forward. His public defender told him he needs to stop saying that.
San Joaquin County Chief Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth O’Hara described Jackson’s actions Saturday night as a crime spree that began as a domestic violence call.
“He was unwilling to accept that his partner moved on and had another partner. He killed that new partner and then shot at her child as well. That child is in the hospital in critical condition,” said O’Hara.
Jackson is accused of killing Keyera Shepard, trying to kill her 6-month-old, assault on his ex-girlfriend who is not being named because she’s a victim of domestic violence and assault of a peace officer with a semi-automatic firearm.
The judge said all the charges face several enhancements, including some for his prior felony conviction of shooting from a car at a person.
Jackson is expected back in court October 7.
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