Brian Howard Jackson, a 28-year-old white male, tragically lost his life on November 13, 2005, in Dallas, Texas. Officer Jackson, who had served with the Dallas Police Department for five years, was responding to a domestic disturbance call on North Henderson Street at approximately 2:45 am. The suspect, who had threatened his ex-girlfriend and fired a handgun inside a house, fled on foot upon Officer Jackson's arrival.
During the ensuing foot pursuit through alleys and between houses, the suspect hid in a yard and opened fire on Officer Jackson as he came through the front gate, striking him in the armpit. Despite being transported to Baylor Medical Center, Officer Jackson succumbed to his wound approximately one hour later.
The suspect, identified as Juan Lizcano, was an illegal alien who was charged and convicted of capital murder. Initially sentenced to death, Lizcano's sentence was later commuted to life in prison without parole due to his intellectual disability. Lizcano's appeal, which began in 2012, challenged the constitutionality of his death sentence based on his low IQ scores. In 2020, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals removed Lizcano from death row, determining he was ineligible for execution due to his intellectual disability.
Officer Jackson's death had a profound impact on the Dallas Police Department and the community he served. Known for his dedication and outstanding performance, he was commended on numerous occasions throughout his career. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1976, Jackson traveled extensively with his family before joining the Dallas Police Department in 2001. He was a varsity athlete at Portsmouth High School in Rhode Island and a cheerleader at the University of Rhode Island, where he graduated in 1999 with a degree in Sociology. Jackson's commitment to public service extended beyond law enforcement, as he also trained and served as an Emergency Medical Technician with several volunteer organizations.
In August 2005, Jackson married Jo-Ann deMello, a respiratory therapist employed in Dallas. He is survived by his wife, parents, and sister. His untimely death left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, and his service and dedication to the citizens of his community will be long remembered.
