Trial Date Set For RivCo Man Accused Of Fatally Shooting Acquaintance

RIVERSIDE, CA — A May 21 trial date was confirmed Friday for a man accused of gunning down a 38-year-old acquaintance in Moreno Valley.

Jerome Roy Jackson, 36, of Fontana allegedly killed Jason Williams of Riverside in 2022.

Jackson is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of child endangerment and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations. Danielle Ryan Rainey, 47, of Riverside was originally charged with being an accessory after the fact. However, following a February 2024 preliminary hearing, the allegation was dismissed.

During a status hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice Friday, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Joshlyn Pulliam conferred with the prosecution and defense regarding scheduling, and both sides agreed to work toward preparations for trial proceedings in the latter half of May.

Jackson is being held on $1 million bail at the Benoit Detention Center in Indio.

According to sheriff's Sgt. Ben Ramirez, about 12:10 p.m. on Aug. 6, 2022, the defendant confronted Williams at a house in the area of Tea Rose and Blue Lupin lanes, at the south edge of Box Springs Canyon.

Ramirez alleged that Jackson opened fire with a handgun, shooting the victim several times. A possible motive was not disclosed. The two men knew one another, but their specific connection was not provided.

Witnesses called 911, and patrol deputies and paramedics arrived within a few minutes, attempting lifesaving measures on Williams, who died at the scene.

Court papers indicate there were children present during the attack, resulting in the endangerment allegations. Prosecutors further allege that the defendant tried to get away, but was unsuccessful.

He was arrested that afternoon without incident near the location of the shooting.

According to court records, Jackson has a prior misdemeanor conviction for reckless driving, but no documented prior felony offenses in Riverside County.

—City News Service