Suspects in Mahogany Jackson case back in court, district attorney says death penalty still on table

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - It has been almost a year since Birmingham police officers say Mahogany Jackson was beaten, tortured, and killed.

Her body was found at a dumping site in west Birmingham, and much of the incident was recorded and posted on social media.

On Tuesday morning, all eight suspects in the case appeared in court for a pretrial hearing.

Attorneys mentioned there is new DNA evidence.

Her mother, Gail Maddox, expressed that it has not gotten any easier.

“It’s rough. Every time I come here, I have a horrible night before, and I’m going to have a horrible day when I leave here. But every time, I’m going to be here,” said Maddox.

Currently, her main focus is obtaining justice for her child. The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office shares this goal. District Attorney Danny Carr stated that the case has progressed quickly through the justice system, from the investigative efforts of police and federal agents to Tuesday’s pretrial hearing. However, he added that there is still more work to be done.

“Basically, whether or not the state has an offer, we informed the judge that we do not have a plea offer at this time. We are not at that point yet. We also notified the court that we filed a notice to seek the death penalty for each defendant,” said Carr.

Judge Kechia Davis gave the state an opportunity to present each suspect with a plea deal. The death penalty remains a possibility for each suspect.

One defendant, Jeremiah McDowell, through his attorney, Glennon Threatt, stated that his client is ready for the case to proceed. Jackson’s mother indicated that despite the challenges of the day, she intends to be present every step of the way.

“He is anxious to get this case in front of a jury so that he can prove his innocence and get out of jail. We expect to demonstrate that in front of the jury,” said Threatt.

The suspects will return to court before Judge Davis on April 28.

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