Accused woman in manslaughter case pleads not guilty

Published 12:02 am Thursday, November 27, 2014

NATCHEZ — A Natchez woman accused of manslaughter in a fatal stabbing earlier this year pleaded not guilty Wednesday to the charge against her in Adams County Circuit Court.

An Adams County grand jury indicted LaVonda Darcell Jackson, 46, 617 E. Steirs Lane, on a charge of manslaughter earlier this month in connection to the death of Tere McGraw, 30.

During her brief appearance in court Wednesday, Jackson pleaded not guilty through her attorney, Rusty Jenkins, and requested the state provide discovery for her case.

Email newsletter signup

At the time of her arrest, police said Jackson and McGraw had been drinking in the early morning hours of July 25 when they became involved in a heated argument.

Police said McGraw confronted Jackson in a physical manner, and she allegedly responded by grabbing a butcher knife and stabbing him in the chest.

After Jackson’s court appearance, Judge Al Johnson told Jackson he would allow her to remain free on the $45,000 bond she has posted while she awaits trial.