Sal Shabazz: Unraveling the Story Before Feuds Turned Fatal on ID
Tragedy Strikes: The Murder of Sal Shabazz occurred on April 7, 2021, at his home. Authorities responded after Jacqueline, his wife, frantically called 911 while she was on the phone with Sal during the incident.
In the aftermath, a highly publicized and complex trial unfolded, leading to the 2022 convictions of the two primary suspects: Tashara Jackson and Todd Pettway, for their roles in this heinous crime.
As part of the upcoming season of Feuds Turned Fatal, viewers will get an in-depth look at the circumstances surrounding Sal’s tragic death. The premiere episode, titled Workplace Wars, is scheduled to air on Investigation Discovery on November 6, 2024, at 10 PM ET.
Details of the Incident
On the night of the tragedy, Sal Shabazz’s wife, Jacqueline, and their four daughters were in a motel for safety. Sal opted to remain at their home, having been drinking earlier in the evening.
At approximately 2:00 AM, during a phone conversation, Jacqueline heard a knock at the door, which was quickly followed by a barrage of gunfire. In a state of shock, she ended the call before contacting 911 for immediate assistance.
Law enforcement arrived shortly after and discovered Sal’s lifeless body. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including fatal injuries to his head and torso. Investigators also recovered four empty. 380 caliber bullet casings from the crime scene.
Investigating the Murder
During the investigation, Jacqueline revealed to detectives that she suspected her co-worker, Tashara Jackson, whom she had a longstanding feud with, might be involved in her husband’s murder.
Surveillance footage showed Jackson approaching Sal’s residence at the time of the shooting. She was accompanied by her alleged lover, Jeremy Pettway, who also became a suspect. Further investigation into phone records and geolocation data corroborated their presence at the scene, while incriminating text messages between Jackson and Pettway were uncovered.
In a significant breakthrough, detectives recovered the murder weapon, which belonged to Pettway. He tried to discreetly dispose of it by handing it over to an acquaintance named Malone shortly after the shooting. Ballistics analysis confirmed that the casings found at the scene matched Pettway’s firearm.
With mounting circumstantial evidence, investigators posited that Pettway was the shooter, while Jackson actively aided him. Despite denying guilt, Pettway faced trial and was convicted in 2022 on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and other related offenses.
Similarly, Tashara Jackson, who jurors identified as having both motive and opportunity, was also convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy later that same year.
Upcoming Episode Synopsis
“In 2021, in Newport News, Virginia, postal workers Jacquie Shabazz and Tashara Jackson fall out over an alleged affair, and a simmering feud explodes.”
To explore the details surrounding Sal Shabazz’s murder and its impact, tune in to the premiere of Feuds Turned Fatal on November 6, 2024, on ID.
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