EVERETT — Police believe an 18-year-old with a jealous streak slipped in through an unlocked door and fired a single shot that ended the life of an Everett teenager as he slept.
Dustin Maurice Jackson, 18, was arrested Tuesday and jailed for investigation of first-degree murder. He appeared Wednesday in Everett District Court.
Nick DeSimone, 19, a former Mariner High School soccer star, died of a gunshot wound to the head. His family and friends packed the courtroom. They wore red T-shirts with a picture of the slain teen.
Public defender Susan Gaer argued that the state didn’t have probable cause to hold Jackson. She said the arrest was based solely on an allegation of a motive and a report from someone who saw a vehicle similar to the one Jackson drives near where DeSimone was killed.
Snohomish County deputy prosecutor John Adcock countered that Jackson had made threats against the victim and explicitly said he was going to shoot DeSimone in the face.
Judge Tam Bui ordered Jackson held on $1 million bail.
Detectives believe DeSimone was shot early Monday while he slept at his girlfriend’s house in Stanwood, according to a police affidavit filed Wednesday.
Jackson had dated DeSimone’s girlfriend, 16, and was angry about her new relationship, according to court papers. Police suspect that Jackson walked in through an unlocked door and shot DeSimone as he slept near her on the floor. The pair had fallen asleep in front of the television.
The girl told investigators she awoke to a loud pop and the smell of smoke. She said she was very sleepy and thought she was dreaming, according to court records. She looked over and believed DeSimone was asleep.
The girl’s father discovered DeSimone’s injury when he attempted to awaken him in the morning, the affidavit said.
Several other adults and two children also were home and didn’t hear or see anything suspicious, according to police.
A neighbor remembered seeing a car near the killing scene and provided police a description. That led to Jackson’s arrest, according to court papers.
Before his arrest Jackson denied being at his ex-girlfriend’s house and said he didn’t know anything about DeSimone being injured.
Jackson has two felony convictions for theft and burglary.
Several of DeSimone’s friends joined his family at the courthouse for the hearing.
“They’re a very tight-knit group of kids who went to school together,” Deanna Hogue said. Her children were friendly with DeSimone at Mariner and since news of his death spread, have not been eating or sleeping well.
“The kids are doing horrible. They’re really struggling,” Hogue said. “It’s affected a lot of lives.”
Carlos Betancourt, 19, played soccer with DeSimone at Mariner.
“It’s sad. It’s really sad. He was like family to me,” Betancourt said.
Groups of soccer players often had dinners at the DeSimone home, Betancourt said. Vince DeSimone, the father and soccer coach, would make spaghetti for the teenagers.
Nick DeSimone often practiced soccer in his back yard, using a goal his father built. Nick DeSimone, a midfielder, was outgoing, talkative and always planning get-togethers with friends, Betancourt said.
This summer, he spent time hanging out, going to clubs and playing Xbox games. He still loved to play soccer, his friend said.
Betancourt pleaded with a friend when he got news Monday of Nick DeSimone’s death.
“Please don’t tell me it’s true,” he said.
Now, Betancourt is spending time with friends, making sure everyone’s head is up and not feeling alone.
“We’re going to miss him. He’s going to be missed,” Betancourt said. “I hope justice gets served.”
Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.
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