Boone -- April 23, 2026: Following a week-long trial in Watauga County Superior Court, Alexander Matthew Jackson has been found guilty of first-degree murder. The verdict, delivered on April 21, 2026, marks the conclusion of a case stemming from the 2024 shooting death of Jackson’s business associate, Michael Ross.
Details of the Incident
The case dates back to February 2024, when authorities took Jackson into custody following a fatal confrontation. The shooting occurred in the driveway of a residence located off NC Highway 194 North.
Investigation revealed that Ross and Jackson were partners in a local landscaping and remodeling business. The fatal encounter, which claimed Ross's life, took place at the home they shared as a base of operations.
The Trial and Evidence
The State’s prosecution began on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Over the course of the trial, prosecutors built a comprehensive case against Jackson, which included:
Witness Testimony: The State called multiple witnesses to the stand to reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting.
Physical Evidence: A total of 83 items of evidence were presented to the jury.
Security Footage: Key to the prosecution's case was security footage that captured the specific details of the encounter between the two men.
Sentencing
After the jury deliberated and returned a guilty verdict for first-degree murder, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Ted McEntire immediately proceeded to sentencing. Jackson was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the mandatory sentence for first-degree murder in North Carolina.
The District Attorney’s Office for the 35th Prosecutorial District emphasized their ongoing commitment to seeking justice for victims and providing closure for families affected by violent crime.