Couple’s argument over $5 ends in deadly shooting, officials say. Girlfriend sentenced
A couple’s argument over $5 ended with a man fatally shot in the back in North Carolina, prosecutors said.
Now, three years after 28-year-old Hubert Rivers’ death, his girlfriend has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, according to the 31st Prosecutorial District in Forsyth County.
Quensheta Jackson, 33, also has been ordered to serve 18 to 23 years in prison after prosecutors said she “used excessive force in responding to being hit by her boyfriend” in a Winston-Salem parking lot.
“This horrific crime is rooted in domestic violence,” District Attorney Jim O’Neill said in a May 15 news release. “The taking of the life of Mr. Rivers has been a devastating loss that has left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and community.”
A person believed to be Jackson’s attorney, Dan Anthony, didn’t immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment May 17. In court, the defense lawyer reportedly said Jackson “apologized for her actions, and she recognized that her behavior caused pain.”
“I am fully aware that this apology will not bring him (Hubert Rivers) back,” Anthony said while reading from the defendant’s statement, according to the Winston-Salem Journal.
Couple argued over $5, prosecutors say
The case dates to Jan. 23, 2021, when Jackson and Rivers were at Ocean King Sweepstakes in Winston-Salem. The two started arguing over $5, were told to leave and continued their disagreement outside, the district attorney’s office said.
“The defendant and Mr. Rivers are seen on camera dodging each other and going back and forth,” prosecutors wrote. “Mr. Rivers hit the defendant during the argument knocking her to the ground. The victim was not armed with any weapon.”
Jackson is accused of getting a gun from her car and shooting Rivers in the back.
“As Mr. Rivers lay dying, he lifted his chest and head off the ground and continued to argue,” prosecutors said, adding that Jackson left the scene but later called 911 to report the shooting.
Jackson, accused of “going after” her boyfriend during the dispute, was caught within a few days of the shooting. Rivers reportedly received CPR from witnesses but died at the scene.
“It’s been a living nightmare, and nothing will bring him back,” said his sister, Alicia Rivers, according to the Winston-Salem Journal.
This story was originally published May 17, 2024 at 9:49 AM with the headline "Couple’s argument over $5 ends in deadly shooting, officials say. Girlfriend sentenced."
