Pretrial Motions Underway For Man Accused In Moreno Valley Slaying

RIVERSIDE, CA — Pretrial motions got underway Monday ahead of jury selection for the trial of a man accused of gunning down a 38-year-old acquaintance in Moreno Valley.

Jerome Roy Jackson, 37, of Fontana allegedly killed Jason Williams of Riverside in 2022.

Jackson is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of child endangerment and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.

During a hearing Monday at the Riverside Hall of Justice, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Matthew Perantoni received motions from the prosecution and defense regarding witnesses, evidence, scheduling and other matters. The judge was expected to rule on the submissions Tuesday and possibly begin jury selection at the downtown courthouse.

Jackson is being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Robert Presley Jail.

According to sheriff's Sgt. Ben Ramirez, at about 12:10 p.m. on Aug. 6, 2022, the defendant confronted Williams at a house in the area of Tea Rose and Blue Lupin lanes, around the south edge of Box Springs Canyon.

Ramirez said Jackson opened fire with a handgun, shooting the victim several times. A possible motive was not disclosed. The two men knew one another, but their specific connection was not provided.

Witnesses called 911, and patrol deputies and paramedics arrived within a few minutes, attempting life-saving measures on Williams, who died at the scene.

Court papers indicated there were children present during the attack, resulting in the endangerment allegations. Their identities were not disclosed. Prosecutors further alleged that the defendant tried to get away, but was unsuccessful.

He was arrested that afternoon without incident near the location of the shooting.

Danielle Ryan Rainey, 48, of Riverside was originally charged with being an accessory after the fact. However, following a February 2024 preliminary hearing, the allegation against her was dismissed.

According to court records, Jackson has a prior misdemeanor conviction for reckless driving, but no documented prior felony offenses in Riverside County.