Man pleads guilty to killing cousin in 2023 Wilmington murder case

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A man charged as a teenager in the 2023 killing of his cousin, 34-year-old Adriana Hall, has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Gabriel Jackson, now 20, was sentenced Thursday in New Hanover County Superior Court.

Court records show Jackson received life in prison with parole for first-degree murder. He was also sentenced to 51 to 74 months in prison for robbery with a dangerous weapon. That sentence includes 975 days of credit for time served.

Jackson was 17 when Wilmington police arrested him following Hall’s death on Oct. 7, 2023.

Police said officers were called to the 3000 block of Adirondack Way for a welfare check after a family member reported concerns about Hall’s well-being after not hearing from her.

Officers said they entered the apartment with the help of a key holder and found Hall dead from a gunshot wound. Investigators said at the time it appeared Hall was shot while she was sleeping.

Investigators identified Jackson, who apparently lived with Hall, as a suspect during the homicide investigation and arrested him later that day.

Jackson was originally charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery and auto larceny. Court records show the felony larceny charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

A judge also ordered psychiatric counseling and recommended Jackson be offered educational and vocational training while in custody through the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.

Last year, Ali’yonna Hutchins pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to murder in connection with the case and was sentenced to between 6 and 8 years in prison.