Wilmington Teen Gets Life for Cousin's Murder

Gabriel Jackson, 20, has received a life sentence in prison following his guilty plea to charges of first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon. The court proceedings took place in New Hanover County Superior Court on June 11, 2026. Jackson's sentence includes eligibility for parole after 25 years for the murder conviction, with an additional concurrent sentence for the robbery charge. He will receive credit for 975 days already served.

The charges stem from the death of his cousin, 34-year-old Novant Health nurse Adriana Hall. Hall was discovered deceased in her home on October 8, 2023, after failing to report for work. Investigations revealed no signs of forced entry, and prosecutors stated Jackson entered the sleeping victim's residence, took her car keys, and fatally shot her.

Jackson was apprehended shortly after the incident while driving the victim's vehicle with four passengers. Prosecutors noted Jackson had previously threatened Hall regarding the use of her car. Last year, Ali'Yonna Hutchins, who was 16 at the time of her arrest, pleaded guilty to accessory to murder after the fact and received a sentence of 6-8 years.