HOUSTON — The District Attorney’s Office in Houston announced that the man convicted of fatally shooting an off-duty New Orleans Police Department officer was sentenced to 60 years in prison.
Frederick D. Jackson, of San Antonio, pleaded guilty to killing Everett Briscoe, a 13-year veteran of the NOPD, and Briscoe’s friend, Dyrin Riculfy, a member of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, during an apparent robbery attempt on Aug. 21, 2021.
They were killed while dining on the patio of the Grotto Ristorante in Houston’s Galleria area.
The Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg says Jackson and another man approached the patio restaurant brandishing firearms and demanding money from Briscoe and Riculfy which then led to the shooting. Briscoe was killed at the scene and Riculfy later died at a Houston hospital.
Jackson was eventually caught, arrested, charged with murder, and set to begin trial this week but instead, agreed to a plea deal on Tuesday.
“We wanted him to admit guilt for both murders and go to prison for the equivalent of a life sentence, and this accomplishes both of those goals,” Assistant District Attorney Keaton Forcht said. “It was important to the families of the victims that he takes responsibility.”
The killing of Briscoe and Riculfy sent a heartbreaking shock through the New Orleans Police Department, including Houston and New Orleans leaders.
Then New Orleans City Councilman Jay Banks speaking about the tragic killing of Briscoe said, "He was a gem. He loved his community. It is really true to say that we lost a good one," he said crying before asking everyone for prayers for the family of the fallen officer.
Two other men, Anthony Rayshard Jenkins, 24, and Khalil Nelson, 21, are still facing trial in the shooting.
Briscoe's wife released the following statement:
“Mr. Jackson’s guilty plea and the proposed prison sentence reflect the severity of the crime he committed and the impact it continues to have on so many innocent people. We are pleased to see him held accountable for his actions and appreciate the hard work of the Harris County District Attorney’s office and the court in obtaining justice. While we know it will never bring our loved ones back, we believe this is an important first step in holding everyone accountable for the unnecessary and tragic murders of two great men.”
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