A man who pleaded guilty to a felony charge related to the death of his brother-in-law was sentenced last week to 10 years in prison. The sentence in the case against David Jackson, 36, was handed down Friday by District Court Judge J. Steven Patrick.
Last year, Jackson pleaded guilty to tampering with a deceased body, a Class 3 felony, in exchange for the dismissal of other counts stemming from the death of Jackson’s brother-inlaw, Jake Millison.
Millison was reported missing in April 2015 before his remains were discovered buried in a corral on the family ranch east of Gunnison in July 2017. Following the discovery, three family members were arrested early last year for a wide range of crimes related to the death of Millison, who was embroiled in a family feud over the future of the 7-11 Ranch near Parlin.
Jackson’s wife, Stephanie, and mother-in-law, Deborah Rudibaugh, were accused of first-degree murder in the case. Rudibaugh admitted shooting Millison in the head while he slept and said she acted alone in disposing of his body. However, authorities contended that she did not act alone, resulting in charges against the Jacksons as well.
In exchange for a 40-year prison sentence with more than a year of credit for time served, Rudibaugh pleaded guilty earlier this year to second-degree murder.
Stephanie Jackson last month pleaded guilty to the same charge as her husband. However, her charge carries the presence of “aggravated circumstances,” making the penalty more severe. She faces 16 to 20 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 8.
David Jackson was freed on a $100,000 personal recognizance bond after entering the plea agreement in November 2018.
As part of that agreement, Jackson admitted to knowing that Millison had been killed and that his remains were located on the family’s ranch. During Friday’s sentencing, Jackson apologized for his actions.
“I just want to say I’m sorry I didn’t call police when I saw the bones,” said Jackson about the discovery of Millison’s body in a manure pile. “I should have gone with my hunch and called. I guess my scared got the best of me. I just want to say I’m truly sorry and that’s pretty much it.”
In addition, Ray Millison — the father of Stephanie Jackson and Jake Millison — asked the court for mercy in sentencing his son-in-law.
“I’m Jacob’s father and this is all unfortunate,” said Millison. “I’ve forgiven David for his part in this. I’m asking for any leniency you can provide him if you see fit because he’s part of my family.”
Still, Deputy District Attorney Jessica Waggoner reminded the court that David Jackon’s sentence was set by the plea agreement. She also cast uncertainty about what actually transpired surrounding Jake Millison’s death.
“Hopefully someday the three people involved will tell the truth of what happened,” Waggoner said. “If not with Mr. Millison with themselves of the participation they took that ripped a young man away from his life. I hope someday the truth will come out and Mr. Jackson will be honest about the role he played in it.”
David Jackson appeared teary as Judge Patrick read three letters on his behalf which requested leniency or spoke to his character. However, Patrick said he would impose the stipulated sentence of 10 years as set in the plea agreement.
Jackson was immediately remanded to law enforcement to begin his sentence with credit for 246 days served.
(Chris Rourke can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or at chris.rourke@gunnisontimes.com .)
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