On Monday James Harris Jackson of Baltimore stabbed Timothy Coughman to death in New York. After turning himself in, he told police a chilling tale that this was just “Practice” for his future murderous plans. Thursday Jackson was arraigned on second-degree murder as well as a weapons charge but after hearing that this was just a precursor to what he had planned next and that this crime was racially motivated the charges may be upgraded.
Victim selected by his race
After being stabbed repeatedly, 66-year-old Timothy Coughman managed to make his way to a nearby police station where he was rushed to a hospital and pronounced dead. Once in custody, Jackson told police that he selected Coughman because he was black and that he would be “practice” for him. Joan Illuzzi-Orbon, the prosecutor, stated that the charge could be changed to first-degree murder due to the racial motivation, planning and future plans of the suspect.
According to the reports, Jackson stated that after killing Coughman he had plans to head to Times Square so that he could kill more black men.
NYPD Assistant Chief, Bill Aubry, noted in a statement that Jackson has admitted to having feelings of hate and aggression toward black men for over 10 years and that he clearly had a plan and knew what he was doing. A sword and two knives were in Jackson's possession the night of the murder. He told police that he brought them in order to carry out his plans. At this time Jackson's attorney, Sanford Talkin, has not made any statements.
An unspeakable tragedy
Those who knew the victim, Timothy Coughman, are deeply saddened and grieving the loss of a dear friend. He was known as a collector of autographs as well as a can and bottle recycler. People who live in the same neighborhood as Coughman have described him as being “a good man” and find themselves not only sad but frightened by Jackson's actions and statements.
In a statement the New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio, said “more than an unspeakable human tragedy, this is an assault on what makes this the greatest city in the world: our inclusiveness and our diversity.” Large cities across the nation are complex and diverse in both race and culture, making this hate crime painful to the country as a whole.