A Philadelphia man, Darnell Jackson, also known as "Major Change," has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement in a murder-for-hire plot and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro.
Jackson, aged 52, was found guilty on February 28, 2023, after a five-day trial. He was convicted of using interstate commerce facilities to solicit murder-for-hire and possessing ammunition despite being a convicted felon.
The plot originated from an ongoing state drug trafficking investigation. On July 19, 2021, Jackson communicated with an individual via phone calls and text messages to arrange the killing of another person. He sent a photo of the intended victim and offered $5,000 for the murder. The plan was allegedly set for execution on the evening of July 21, 2021.
On that evening, Jackson received false information that the intended victim had been killed. He then proceeded to meet with the individual to pay for the supposed murder but was stopped by law enforcement while driving near 65th Street & Guyer Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia. Authorities found him with a loaded Glock-style "ghost gun" containing 16 live rounds of ammunition.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero stated: “If you’re willing to casually order a hit — if you have so little respect for human life — you forfeit your right to walk around free with everyone else.” She emphasized that Jackson's sentence holds him accountable and highlighted ongoing efforts by her office alongside the FBI and Philadelphia Police Department to address violent offenders in the city.
Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Philadelphia, remarked: “By orchestrating this egregious plot, Jackson underestimated both the capability of law enforcement to uncover his actions and our unwavering commitment to protecting citizens from violence.”
The case involved investigations conducted by both the FBI and Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin Ashenfelter.