On January 3, 2025, Chaquanda Latise Odom tragically lost her life in a devastating incident. Her ex-husband, Jayson D. Pressley, 38, abruptly ended their encounter with a fatal gunshot.
In a tragic turn of events, Odom, 36, and Pressley met in a parking lot to settle the financial matters related to their recent divorce. Little did they know that this would be their final encounter together.
The final words she left behind, “You better not,” continue to resonate deeply within her family and community, creating a haunting image of her last moments.
A Routine Meeting Turns Deadly
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According to police reports, Odom encountered Pressley near his residence on Liberty Street, where he had arranged to hand her a $22,000 check. Pressley sat in her car and conversed with him through the open window. In a surprising twist, Pressley suddenly produced a gun and fired two shots at Odom before fleeing the scene.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Odom inside her vehicle. Unfortunately, she was unresponsive as a result of the crash, which involved her vehicle colliding with a mailbox and another car. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, Odom was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Chilling Confession
After the shooting, Pressley voluntarily went to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center to turn himself in. In a disturbing admission, he confessed to the crime but chose not to provide any explanation for why he had brought the firearm to the meeting. The investigators were able to recover the weapon, a Hi-Point 9mm handgun, from Pressley’s vehicle.
The firearm’s magazine lacked two rounds, and the presence of matching shell casings in Odom’s car confirmed that the fatal incident occurred at close range.
A Community in Mourning
Odom, a California resident, was known for being a devoted mother and an active member of her community. Her tragic death has left her loved ones in a state of shock, trying to comprehend the senseless act of violence that took her life so suddenly.
The incident sheds light on the ongoing epidemic of domestic violence, a problem that disproportionately impacts Black women. Advocacy groups are urging for renewed efforts to provide support for victims and prevent such tragedies.
Charges Filed Against Pressley
Pressley is currently facing a range of charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and the use of a firearm in a violent crime. Authorities have decided to hold him without bond, and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for January 28, 2025.
The death of Chaquanda Odom highlights the pressing issue of the intersection between gun violence and domestic abuse. As her community grieves, they also demand immediate action to ensure that her story becomes a driving force for meaningful change.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are resources available to help. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website at thehotline.org.
