LINCOLN, Neb. (KMTV) — Despite having support from the victim's family and thousands of community members, Earnest Jackson was denied a pardon on Monday afternoon in Lincoln.
“What are they looking at? What are they determining in relation to Earnest Jackson that they would hold him for 22 years? For a crime that was no crime, the gentleman who got off on self-defense even said Earnest Jackson was not here. So you guys are holding him for what reason?” said Earnest’s mother Brenda Jackson-Williams after Monday's pardon hearing.
Jackson was convicted of first-degree murder for the shooting death of Larry Perry in 1999. After Jackson's conviction, Shalamar Cooperrider confessed to the shooting and was acquitted on the grounds of self-defense. He also told investigators that Jackson was not present at the time Perry was killed.
Now, more than 20 years later, Jackson's case was presented before the Nebraska Pardons Board. Perry's family has expressed support for Jackson's release from prison. In a letter to the board, the family said that Jackson is innocent and should be released. 3 News Now also reported over the weekend that his commutation petition has more than 60,000 signatures.
Despite the devastating ruling, the resolve of Jackson’s family remained strong and they promised that they will continue their fight until Earnest is freed.
“They bent us but they didn’t break us. Our marathon continues, our fight will continue and Earnest Jackson will be home. Yes, he will. As I’ve always said I put my faith in no man, my faith is in God,” said Jackson-Williams.
The Pardon board members are Gov. Pete Ricketts, Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Attorney General Doug Peterson.
Jackson will be eligible for a parole hearing in 2029 but his attorneys say they want to see him freed before that date. By the time of his parole hearing, Jackson will have been imprisoned for 30 years.
**Correction: Previous reporting referred to Larry Perry as Lance Perry
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'We're hopeful': Earnest Jackson faces Nebraska Board of Pardons on Monday
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