Lexington County Repo Man Case: Bond Granted for Co-Defendant Amid Community Outcry

Lexington County Repo Man Case: Bond Granted for Co-Defendant

Lexington County, S.C. has been buzzing with news following a recent court ruling surrounding the tragic death of local repo man, Steve Hughes. The case took a turn this week as one of the defendants, Essence Jackson, was granted a bond during a hearing in Richland County. The judge set her bond at $75,000, which has sparked a lot of mixed emotions among the community and the victim’s family.

Understanding the Situation

Essence Jackson, who has been spending nearly three months at the Alvin S. Glenn detention center, appeared before the judge alongside her attorney, Seth Rose, who also serves as a state representative. Rose passionately argued that granting bond was Jackson’s constitutional right, insisting she should not be treated as a criminal for being accused of a crime where she was not the shooter.

According to Rose, Jackson has led an unblemished life, a sentiment he emphasized during the hearing. He pointed out that she has no prior criminal record and is an honor roll student who graduated from Lower Richland High School. “She is an impeccable person,” Rose remarked, highlighting her commitment to staying clear of trouble, noting that she has even never received a speeding ticket in her life. “The question today is whether she is a flight risk or a danger to the community,” he said. “The answer is no to both.”

The Incident

The dramatic events unfolded back in June when a Richland County sheriff’s deputy responded to a call in the 7200 block of Fairmont Road in Columbia. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered a tow truck with its lights flashing, and tragically, found Hughes inside it, shot and with bullet holes surrounding the driver’s side door. This incident led to the arrest of Jackson and her brother, 20-year-old Raheem DeAngelo Jackson, with both facing serious charges in connection with Hughes’ murder.

Reaction from the Victim’s Family

The emotional weight of the case hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially by Hughes’s family. His daughter, Stephanie, expressed her deep concerns about the bond being granted to Jackson. “I think that the things that are supposed to happen will happen,” she said, illustrating her hope for justice. However, she also emphasized that Jackson, even if not the shooter, walked past her father’s dying body without helping him, an accusation that has been discussed in court.

Judge Thomas Cooper weighed these sentiments against legal considerations, pointing out, “The law cannot just look at the eyes of the victim; it has to look at both sides.” It seems that while Jackson’s future remains uncertain, the legal system is still determining the extent of her involvement and the consequences she faces.

What Comes Next?

Jackson is set to be under house arrest with electronic monitoring, allowing her some freedom for work and medical appointments, as ordered by the judge. Her next court date has not yet been scheduled, leaving many in the community wondering about the fate of the case. Meanwhile, her brother Raheem remains incarcerated and has yet to file for a bond hearing.

Community Impact

As residents in Lexington County continue to process this case, it has sparked conversations about justice, accountability, and the complexities involved in such tragic incidents. The community is left to reflect on the life of Steve Hughes, a repo man who was not only known for his work but also for his active participation in local Facebook groups, connecting with people throughout Lexington County.

With the trial ahead, many hope for a resolution that honors the memory of Hughes and serves justice appropriately for all involved. The unfolding legal journey promises to captivate the local community, ever eager to stay informed and connected as the situation develops.