Everett man pleads guilty to murder

An Everett man on Wednesday told a judge he shot and killed a former Mariner High School soccer star because the victim made threats against him and his family.

Dustin Maurice Jackson, 19, slipped through an unlocked door of a Stanwood-area home and shot Nicholas DeSimone in the head as he slept on the floor next to his girlfriend.

Jackson pleaded guilty to first-degree murder Wednesday in Snohomish County Superior Court.

Many DeSimone family members and friends attended the emotion-charged hearing, which was held under rigid security.

The victim’s father yelled after Jackson as custody officers ushered him from the courtroom. Others openly wept during the proceeding.

Judge Larry McKeeman scheduled sentencing for April 22.

Jackson is looking at a prison term between about 21 and 28 years. Joan Cavagnaro, chief criminal deputy prosecutor, said she will ask for the high end of the sentencing range. Public defender Natalie Tarantino can argue for a lower term.

In his guilty plea statement, Jackson admitted “premeditated intent” to kill DeSimone, also 19.

“I killed him because he made what I considered credible threats against me and my family members,” Jackson wrote in plea paperwork. “I realize that this does not constitute a defense to my actions.”

DeSimone was shot once behind his left ear, according to court documents.

Jackson previously dated DeSimone’s 16-year-old girlfriend. Documents said Jackson was angry about her new relationship. Police believe DeSimone and his girlfriend fell asleep on the floor while watching television, documents said.

When questioned by police in August, Jackson denied being at his ex-girlfriend’s house that day, and said he didn’t know anything about DeSimone being injured, according to documents.

At the time, the girl told police she didn’t hear the gunshot. She said she was dreaming of fireworks and smoke. When she tried to wake up DeSimone, she saw blood on his pillow and screamed, documents said.

A neighbor reported seeing a car similar to the one driven by Jackson leaving the area early that morning, documents said.

Reporter Jim Haley: 425-339-3447 or jhaley@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

More in Local News

Funko mascots Freddy Funko roll past on a conveyor belt in the Pop! Factory of the company's new flagship store on Aug. 18, 2017.  (Dan Bates / The Herald)
Lawsuit: Funko misled investors about Arizona move

A shareholder claims Funko’s decision to relocate its distribution center from Everett to Arizona was “disastrous.”

Lynnwood
1 stabbed at apartment in Lynnwood

The man, 26, was taken to an Everett hospital with “serious injuries.”

A firefighting helicopter carries a bucket of water from a nearby river to the Bolt Creek Fire on Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022, on U.S. Highway 2 near Index, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Red flag fire warning issued west of Cascades

There are “critical fire weather” conditions due to humidity and wind in the Cascades, according to the National Weather Service.

A house fire damaged two homes around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2023 in Marysville, Washington. (Photo provided by Marysville Fire District)
Fire burns 2 homes in Marysville, killing 2 dogs

Firefighters responded to a report of a fire north of Lakewood Crossing early Tuesday, finding two houses engulfed in flames.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mountlake Terrace in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Mountlake Terrace eyes one-time projects for $2.4M in federal funds

Staff recommended $750,000 for a new roof and HVAC at the library, $250,000 toward a nonprofit facility in Lynnwood and more.

The Snohomish River turns along the edge of the Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve at Thomas’ Eddy on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
To build a healthier Snohomish River, more log jams

About $2.8M in grants will help engineer log jams, tear down levees and promote salmon restoration at Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve.

Dave "Bronco" Erickson stands next to the pink-and-purple 1991 Subaru Justy hatchback “Pork Chop Express” car that he is seeking to re-home for $500. The car has been on Whidbey Island for years, mainly as yard art. (Andrea Brown / The Herald)
For sale: Whidbey’s fabled ‘Pork Chop Express’ gets great smileage

Asking price is $500 for the 1991 Subaru Justy, a three-cylinder econobox with 65K miles and a transmission as rare as hen’s teeth.

Ciscoe Morris, a longtime horticulturist and gardening expert, will speak at Sorticulture. (Photo provided by Sorticulture)
Get your Sorticulture on: Garden festival returns to downtown Everett

It’s a chance to shop, dance, get gardening tips, throw an axe and look through a big kaleidoscope. Admission is free.

Marysville
Marysville resident sentenced to 15 years for fentanyl operation

Jose Eduardo Garnica received a shipment from China labeled “Furniture Parts.” It had fentanyl-manufacturing parts.

Most Read