Mother of murder victim found killer at local grocery store

Janette Jackson, 76, encountered the man convicted of killing her son in 1995 while shopping at a Stop & Shop in Dorchester. The sighting of John “Tiny” Evans, who has been on a life sentence without parole since 1996, occurred just this week, marking the 30th anniversary of his sentencing.

Jackson described the moment she recognized Evans at the store. “When I saw him at Stop & Shop, I'm like, 'Oh my God, that's him,’” she said. “And he just dashed right out when I saw him.” Evans was released from prison to home confinement in 2024. He has been out of the facility for more than two years.

The release was ordered by Judge Jackie Cowin. The judge cited new evidence that might warrant a trial and medical issues including a failing heart and bone marrow disease. Evans’ doctor stated he could die within six months without treatment available only outside of prison. The order allowed Evans to stay with a family member and leave for doctor or lawyer visits. Grocery store trips were not on the list, and Evans does not wear a monitoring device.

Jackson attended a court hearing to oppose the stay motion. However, Judge Cowin stated in courtroom audio that the law required her to consider witness testimony and medical conditions, not statements from the victim’s family. “For better or worse, the law does not include statements from the victim’s family to be considered in my analysis,” Cowin said. Jackson called the judge a “disgusting human being” in response.

Jackson recalled the original sentencing. “The judge said, ‘You will spend the rest of your natural life in jail, in prison,’” she said. “And he's out, living a life that my son didn't get to live.” The 1995 shooting of her son, Lyle “Danny” Jackson, led to a car chase through Boston. During that incident, plainclothes officer Michael Cox, now the Boston Police Commissioner, was mistaken for a suspect and beaten.

Jackson contacted Commissioner Cox and the Suffolk County district attorney for help. Boston police provided no response. A spokesperson for the district attorney’s office said the office continues to oppose Evans’ release and his motion for a new trial.

Evans’ attorney, Amy Codagnone, said in a statement that the court found his release met legal standards and the Commonwealth did not appeal. Codagnone believes a new trial will result in an acquittal. “Their [new witnesses] testimony supports what Mr. Evans has always maintained: that he is actually innocent,” she said.