In this country, there may be different degrees of culpability for murder and other crimes. In some instances, a passive or even unwitting participant in a crime may face the same criminal consequences as an active participant. In other circumstances, an active or passive participant in a crime may face a lesser degree of punishment than the actual perpetrator of the crime. In general, anyone who has participated in a crime on any level is typically held accountable for that crime.
Kenesha Jackson was murdered Nov. 23, 2016, in her apartment while her children were present. Everett Highbaugh, the father of her children, is scheduled to stand trial for her murder. On Aug. 9, 2016, Kenesha asked Judge Garry Ichikawa for a domestic violence restraining order against Mr. Highbaugh. According to Kenesha’s handwritten complaint, Mr. Highbaugh was terrorizing Kenesha. Her haunting, handwritten request for the order of protection can be reviewed at http://solanofamilies.org/ 2018/02/15/say-her-name-kenesha-jackson/.
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In another case before the Honorable Ichikawa, the court awarded custody of two young children to their allegedly abusive father. The father promptly molested the 12-year old daughter. After a Child Protective Services investigation (CPS), the daughter was returned to her mother.
In what appeared to be retaliation, Judge Ichikawa cut off all contact between the mother and her younger son, who was ordered to remain in the full custody of the father. There was evidence that the son was also being molested, but since Judge Ichikawa cut off all contact with the mother, there was no way to prove the additional allegations and now no way for the son to seek the protection of his mother. [Read Full Article]