A Denver jury on Thursday returned guilty verdicts against Travis Jamahal Jackson, 41, finding him guilty of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Michael Milligan during what authorities say was a drug transaction near Cheesman Park.
Incident and investigation
The shooting occurred on Nov. 30, 2023. According to court filings cited by the district attorney’s office, Milligan and an acquaintance had planned to sell Jackson four pounds of marijuana they had purchased from a medical dispensary. When the men met, prosecutors say Jackson shot Milligan and fled the scene.
Investigators identified Jackson through a combination of witness statements and electronic leads: detectives tracked a phone number linked to Jackson and matched it with information provided by witnesses, according to an arrest affidavit.
Charges, verdict and next steps
In addition to first-degree murder, Jackson was convicted of attempted murder, second-degree murder and assault. Under Colorado law, a first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Jackson’s sentencing is set for Aug. 20. His attorney, Anthony Camera of Camera Law in Denver, said the trial raised significant legal questions and that the defense intends to challenge the verdict on appeal.
“The two-week trial was a tough case that presented some very strong appellate issues,” Camera told reporters.
- Victim: Michael Milligan, 28
- Defendant: Travis Jamahal Jackson, 41
- Incident date: Nov. 30, 2023
- Sentencing: Aug. 20
Local context and community impact
The conviction closes one chapter in a case that unfolded near downtown Denver’s Cheesman Park, a public space used daily by residents and visitors. While no single verdict alters broader crime trends, high-profile cases like this can affect neighborhood perceptions of safety and trust in the justice system.
Prosecutors will now prepare sentencing recommendations for the Aug. 20 hearing, and the defense has signaled it will pursue appellate review. The upcoming proceedings will determine whether Jackson receives the life sentence that a first-degree murder conviction makes mandatory or whether further legal challenges alter that outcome.
News Block will monitor the sentencing and any subsequent appeals and report updates relevant to Denver residents.
