Jackson arraigned on first-degree murder charge

By Rosemary K. Otzman
Independent Editor
Richard Elmer Jackson, Jr., 39, of Van Buren Township was arraigned Thursday at 34th District Court on one count of premeditated, first-degree murder in the death of his wife Travisteene Jackson, 38.
His preliminary exam was set for 9 a.m. Jan. 2 at 34th District Court.
Jackson is being held with no bond due to the nature of the charge against him and the administrative criminal laws, said VBT Police Lt. Kenneth Floro.
On Tuesday, Dec. 17, at about 3:37 a.m., VBT Police were dispatched to Greenwood Court for a “suicidal male subject” after receiving concerned calls from Jackson’s friends and relatives.
A news release from Lt. Floro said the officers arrived at the residence and were unable to get anyone to answer the door.
Lt. Charles Bazzy established telephone contact with a male at the residence and persuaded him to open the front door and speak with the officers.
When the homeowner opened the door, police became concerned for his safety and the safety of the other residents in the house because of the inappropriate way the man was dressed and some blood on his clothes.
The officers secured the male and entered the home to perform a welfare check on the other residents and found the body of the man’s wife covered with a blanket.
Police took Jackson into custody and got a warrant to search the home.
The Wayne County Medical Examiner did an autopsy on Travisteene Jackson and ruled the death a homicide.
The two children of the couple were away for the evening.
On Thursday, the children’s grandparents advised Van Buren Public School officials that the children – one a student at Tyler Elementary and one a student at Owen Intermediate School – would not be returning to classes until after Christmas break.
School officials said Jackson was very active at his children’s schools, taking part in many activities.
Lt. Floro said Jackson had suicidal tendencies and told police he had a couple of failed suicide attempts. Lt. Floro said suicide certainly was in Jackson’s initial thought process.