MILWAUKEE, WI – A 19-year-old Wisconsin woman has been charged with reckless homicide after authorities say a dispute over a job request at a fast-food restaurant ended with the fatal stabbing of her cousin.
Rae’Jianna Hall is accused of killing 18-year-old Jaquveon Wright during a confrontation inside a duplex the two shared with family in Milwaukee on September 29. According to court documents, tensions between the cousins escalated when Hall allegedly asked for Wright’s help securing employment at the Taco Bell where he worked, but he reportedly refused.
Family members who witnessed parts of the altercation told investigators that the disagreement grew heated throughout the day, resulting in Hall threatening her cousin multiple times. In statements collected by police, relatives detailed how Hall became angry over not getting assistance with the job application, and that a physical struggle ensued after she allegedly spat on Wright.
The situation turned violent when Hall allegedly used pepper spray on Wright. Though the two separated briefly, police said the argument quickly resumed, leading up to the knife attack. According to investigators, Hall admitted during her police interview that she slashed Wright’s shirt with a knife during a previous encounter. She also claimed that Wright had punched her during the exchange.
Events came to a head in one of the bedrooms, where witnesses recall Hall making several threats and holding a knife with a blade estimated at six to eight inches. Wright’s mother told police she overheard Hall shout, “I’m going to cut you,” before the stabbing occurred.
Moments later, Wright was seen running out of the house, bleeding heavily from his neck. Surveillance footage reportedly shows him collapsing outside as neighbors called for help. Emergency crews attempted to save him, but Wright was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hall dialed 911 after the incident, telling dispatchers she acted in self-defense. During a subsequent interview, she stated she feared for her safety, but did not confirm whether the stabbing was “accidental or intentional.” Hall insisted that while she realized the seriousness of using a knife, causing her cousin’s death had not been her goal.
Court records reveal that Hall’s behavior in the home had previously included threats, including claiming she would send people from Mississippi to fight Wright, and that past disputes often involved aggressive actions.
Authorities charged Hall with reckless homicide, including domestic abuse and use of a deadly weapon enhancements. She is currently held in the Milwaukee County Jail on a $100,000 bond. Her next court hearing is set for October 14.