CLEVELAND — The great-grandson of former Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson will spend at least 18 years in prison for shooting and killing a man last year.
Cuyahoga County Judge Shirley Strickland Saffold on Monday sentenced 20-year-old Donald Jackson-Gates to life behind bars with the possibility of parole after 18 years. Jackson-Gates previously pleaded guilty last week to one count of murder in the death of 20-year-old Chris'Shon Coleman, and likely avoided a longer sentence by cutting a deal with the state.
Prosecutors say Coleman was fatally shot on May 14, 2022, within the 2300 block of East 40th Street in Cleveland's Central neighborhood. Jackson-Gates, who had a previous history of suspected gang activity, was arrested a little under a month later. He has been held in the Cuyahoga County Jail ever since on a $1.25 million bond.
Jackson-Gates spoke only briefly at today's sentencing, stating his intention to "just apologize to my family" as a slight smirk appeared on his face. The former mayor was among those sitting behind him in the gallery.
The plea deal includes three years added to the normal 15 due to Jackson-Gates' use of a gun to commit the crime. Prior to Saffold's decision, Coleman's aunt addressed the court with a written statement from Coleman's mother, recounting the moments the family realized Coleman was dead while also admonishing Jackson-Gates.
"This coward did not just murder my son, but he murdered out family," the statement read. "My family has not been the same since Chris'Shon was stolen from us."
She also expressed sadness at "derogatory social media posts" that purportedly came from Jackson-Gates' family and friends. Additionally, she took several shots at former Mayor Jackson, saying of the defendant, "Your grandfather cannot protect you or call a favor."
"You had the keys to the city because of your grandfather, allowing you all to terrorize and torment this city."
Jackson sat expressionless as Coleman's aunt read those words. Saffold expressed sympathy for the family's pain, but did push back on the harsh words about the ex-mayor.
"Mayor Jackson has never attempted to influence this court," Saffold said to some protests from the gallery. "I give you my word, and that never happened. I have not heard one word from Frank Jackson about anything."
Previous court documents show Jackson-Gates had lived at the same address as his mother and another of former Mayor Jackson's great-grandsons.