Teenager Sentenced After Shooting Injures Two in Asheville

Teenager Sentenced After Shooting Injures Two in Asheville

The Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office announced that a teenager has been sentenced for a shooting incident that left two individuals injured in Asheville last year.

Incident Details

Officials disclosed that 17-year-old Jawoun Hackett pleaded guilty to two counts of felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury, one count of felony Possession of Stolen Firearm, and one count of misdemeanor Possession of a Handgun by a Minor. The case initially started in juvenile court but was later moved to Superior Court, where Hackett was tried as an adult.

On June 17, 2023, Hackett reportedly shot a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old at Pack Square Park during Asheville’s first Juneteenth Festival. Asheville Police Department officers swiftly responded to the scene and apprehended Hackett within minutes. Prior to medical intervention, an off-duty N.C. Division of Adult Corrections Probation and Parole Officer provided immediate assistance to the victims.

Both victims, who were treated and subsequently hospitalized, made a full recovery and were later discharged from medical care. The off-duty officer, Kalla Hughley, received the Bronze Medal of Honor from One Voice United for her heroic actions.

Legal Proceedings

Following the investigation, law enforcement obtained video evidence revealing that Hackett engaged in a physical altercation with the victims before discharging the weapon. Additionally, it was determined that the firearm used by Hackett had been stolen from a vehicle in Macon County, N.C., in November 2022.

After entering a guilty plea, Hackett was sentenced to a maximum of 36 months in prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised probation. As part of the sentencing, Hackett must acquire a graduate equivalency diploma and is prohibited from contacting the victims.

Prosecutor’s Statement

Assistant District Attorney Katie Kurdys remarked, “I gave a lot of thought to the structure of this plea, and it is designed with my sincere hope and that of the State that upon his release from custody, Mr. Hackett will receive the structure, education, and support that he needs to never again be involved in the criminal justice system.”

Conclusion

Despite the unfortunate incident that occurred during a community event, the swift response from law enforcement and the subsequent legal proceedings have resulted in accountability for the perpetrator and justice for the victims.