A Leavenworth, Kansas man is facing a potential death sentence for the alleged murder of his two sons. Donald Ray Jackson Jr., 43, has been charged with capital murder in the deaths of 12-year-old Austin and 14-year-old Logan.
Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson announced his intention to pursue the death penalty following Jackson's arraignment on Wednesday. Jackson remained silent during the proceedings, and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. His defense team indicated they would likely not be prepared for trial until 2025.
Jackson has been incarcerated in Leavenworth County since November 2020. The boys' bodies were discovered at their rural Leavenworth home on October 24, 2020, after the family failed to appear at a scheduled soccer game. Following the discovery, an Amber Alert was issued for Jackson and his two young daughters, aged 3 and 7 at the time. Authorities apprehended Jackson hours later in Beckham County, Oklahoma, with his daughters in the vehicle.
Prosecutors contend that Jackson shot his sons. He has been in custody since his apprehension.
