A Cleveland man was sentenced to more than 30 years in prison Wednesday for a violent carjacking and police pursuit that ended in the death of a 70-year-old doctor last December.
Jalen Jackson, 24, received a sentence of 30 to 35.5 years for his role in the deadly incident, which began when he stole an Amazon delivery van at gunpoint on December 6, 2023, in Cleveland Heights. Prosecutors said Jackson approached the Amazon worker near Summit Park Road and Cleveland Heights Boulevard, threatened him with a 9mm handgun, and forced him to the ground before fleeing in the stolen vehicle.
Jackson then led officers on a dangerous chase through multiple neighborhoods. According to investigators, he fired shots at pursuing officers and eventually drove westbound on I-90 in the wrong direction, with his headlights off. The pursuit ended in tragedy when Jackson crashed head-on into another vehicle near Fulton Road, killing Dr. Curtis Birchall, who was behind the wheel.
“Jalen Jackson has no regard for human life,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley. “His senseless decisions on December 6 directly caused 70-year-old Curtis Birchall’s death. Fortunately for the public, he will spend a significant portion of his life behind bars.”
Jackson pleaded guilty to several charges, including involuntary manslaughter, aggravated robbery, discharging a firearm near prohibited premises, failure to comply with a police order, and having weapons under disability. He also entered guilty pleas in two unrelated cases.
Prosecutors emphasized Jackson’s lengthy criminal background, which includes numerous charges during his time as a juvenile, culminating in what is known as a “Juvi-Life” sentence—the most severe penalty available for juvenile offenders in Ohio. They argued that despite previous serious consequences, Jackson remained undeterred in committing violent crimes.
During sentencing, Jackson offered a brief statement of remorse, saying, “I messed up. It was an accident, and I’m sorry.”
Jackson’s defense team acknowledged the gravity of his actions, but prosecutors maintained that his behavior was part of a long pattern of disregard for the law and public safety.