Jackson Waives Preliminary Hearing, May Negotiate Plea Deal

Commonwealth Attorney Mark Blankenship hopes to work out a plea deal with Murray State University basketball player Zaveral “Zay” Jackson. Jackson faces felony assault charges for allegedly hitting two people with his car during an argument in the Murray Walmart parking lot earlier this month. Blankenship says Jackson has waived his right to preliminary hearing and grand jury consideration.

Instead, Jackson is set for arraignment in Calloway Circuit Court October 12. Blankenship plans to seek a plea deal that may include an apology, restitution, anger management, and some jail time. He says Jackson will need to show remorse for the incident. Blankenship adds Jackson’s sports notoriety will not factor into the case. Jackson is a sophomore at Murray and played in every game of last year’s 31-2 season. Basketball coach Steve Prohm has suspended Jackson from all team activities until further notice. Jackson’s attorney Gary Haverstock was not available for comment.