Victim’s family angered man charged with manslaughter gets 9 years

Victim’s family angered man charged with manslaughter gets 9 years

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The family of Dwayne Jackson, who was stabbed to death in November of 2011, is angry that the man convicted of his murder will serve less than 10 years in prison.

Don Brennen, 64, appeared before Justice Renae McKay on Monday and was sentenced to nine years in prison.

Brennen spent one year, four months and 19 days on remand awaiting trial, which shortened his sentence.

The jury acquitted Brennen of murder in May, but found him guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter.

While convicted, individuals are typically remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, but McKay extended bail for Brennen on the condition that he wear an ankle bracelet for electronic monitoring.

While handing down her sentence on Monday, McKay said she took into account a probationary report, which described Brennen as respectful. She also pointed out that he has a nonviolent nature and had an unblemished record before committing the alleged crime.

According to the prosecution’s case, Christina Adderley had a relationship with Brennen but broke it off in 2011. She then began dating Jackson, the victim, but the prosecution alleged that Brennen did not move on.

On November 25, Adderley and Jackson were leaving an apartment when Brennen allegedly attacked Adderley. Jackson came to her defense, and this is when prosecutors alleged that Brennen stabbed Jackson multiple times in the chest and back.

The prosecution asked for life in prison.

Jacksons sister, Elle Jackson, expressed yesterday that justice was not served.

“We are in a state of shock,” Jackson said. “I mean…it’s crazy to me to know that I can have a disagreement with someone and I could murder who the person is with and in five years I will be out,” she said.

The victim’s daughter, Denteria Jackson, said the sentence is far too light.

“It is not right, in no shape or fashion and for nine years he spent a year and something [in prison],” she said. “He has had numerous birthdays, Christmases and New Years and my brothers were three and five when my dad was killed and they have to be raised without a father. It’s unfair.”