EXCLUSIVE: Accused murderer Dhante Jackson speaks after charges are dropped
On Monday, Jackson walked free after the district attorney dropped the murder and child abuse charges against him.
EXCLUSIVE: Accused murderer Dhante Jackson speaks after charges are dropped
"The people no longer believe that you can prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, is that correct?" Judge Steven Slocum asked the Merced DA, Nicole Silveira.
"Yes," she said.
Jackson and Johnson had been living together when Sophia was reported missing in February of 2022.
In mid-March that year, Sophia's decomposed body was found in a bathtub at his Merced home.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Child found dead inside Merced home is missing 8-year-old Sophia Mason, authorities say
"The defendant used plastic and tape to seal a bathroom in his own home, thereby covering up the death of a 7-year-old girl. I find this to be particularly callous behavior," Judge Slocum said. "The defendants used several incense sticks to cover up the smell of Sophia's decomposing body, and it seems that conduct continued for weeks."
The DA added an accessory to murder charge, which Jackson pleaded guilty to.
"The accessory charge was not calling the police and turning her in, but as I told you and as Mr. Jackson told you, he was afraid that he was going to be arrested for a murder he didn't commit," Jackson's attorney, Todd Melnik stated.
The judge sentenced him to three years.
"The defendant did not care enough for Sophia or her family to notify authorities and let her remains be laid to rest," Judge Slocum said.
After serving those three years, Jackson is now released.
The girl's mother, Samantha Johnson, is expected to be in court early next month.
She previously plead not guilty to murder and child abuse charges.
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