A 19-year-old woman from Milwaukee has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide after allegedly stabbing her cousin to death during an argument about a job at a Taco Bell restaurant. According to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, Rae’Jianna D. Hall faces charges of first-degree reckless homicide and domestic abuse with the use of a dangerous weapon in connection with the death of her cousin, 21-year-old Jaquveon Wright.
The fatal altercation took place at the pair’s shared residence on Milwaukee’s south side. Court documents reveal that the dispute began when Hall and Wright argued about Hall seeking employment at the Taco Bell where Wright worked. What started as a verbal disagreement quickly turned violent when Hall allegedly pepper-sprayed Wright before retrieving a knife.
The criminal complaint states that Wright’s parents arrived at the home during the confrontation. Hall allegedly made threats while holding the knife, shouting, “I’m going to stab you, I’m going to kill you,” before retreating to her bedroom, where the deadly encounter occurred, as per WISN.
Witnesses told police that Hall stabbed Wright in the neck. He ran outside and collapsed shortly afterward. Despite emergency efforts by first responders, Wright was pronounced dead at the scene. During a Mirandized interview with investigators, Hall admitted that she knew the knife could cause death but claimed she acted in self-defense.
She told detectives that Wright had punched her during the argument and that she was afraid for her safety. Hall also said the stabbing was accidental. Authorities, however, noted that Hall’s statements were inconsistent with the physical evidence and witness accounts.
The complaint said that Hall continued to hold the knife while threatening Wright before the stabbing occurred, suggesting intent to cause harm. Investigators recovered the weapon at the scene along with pepper spray and other evidence supporting witness testimony.
Family members described the incident as a shocking escalation of what should have been a minor argument. If convicted, Hall faces up to 60 years in prison for the Class B felony of first-degree reckless homicide, plus an additional five years for using a dangerous weapon. She is currently being held in custody pending a court hearing.
The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office called the killing a “senseless act of violence” that destroyed two young lives from the same family. Wright’s relatives say they are devastated by his death and are now focused on seeking justice as the legal process continues.