Chaquanda Latise Odom’s life came to a devastating end on Jan 3, 2025, when her ex-husband, Jayson D. Pressley, 38, ended their encounter with gunfire.
Odom, 36, had met Pressley in a parking lot to finalize financial matters stemming from their recent divorce. What should have been a simple exchange tragically became her final chapter.
Her haunting last words—“You better not”—paint a chilling picture of her final moments, moments that now echo in the hearts of her family and community.
A Routine Meeting Turns Deadly
According to police reports, Odom met Pressley near his Liberty Street residence, where he was to deliver a $22,000 check. She remained seated in her car, speaking to him through the open window. In a shocking turn of events, Pressley pulled out a gun and shot her twice before fleeing the scene.
When officers arrived, they found Odom unresponsive inside her vehicle, which had crashed into a mailbox and another car. Despite emergency responders’ efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Chilling Confession
Hours after the shooting, Pressley drove himself to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center to surrender. In a chilling confession, he admitted to the crime but declined to explain why he brought the firearm to the meeting. Investigators recovered the weapon, a Hi-Point 9mm handgun, from Pressley’s vehicle.
The firearm’s magazine was missing two rounds, and matching shell casings were discovered in Odom’s car, confirming the deadly act took place at close range.
A Community in Mourning
Odom, a resident of California, Maryland, was remembered by loved ones as a dedicated mother and a vibrant member of her community. Her senseless death has left her family and friends devastated, struggling to make sense of an act of violence that ended her life so abruptly.
The incident highlights the ongoing epidemic of domestic violence, which disproportionately affects Black women. Advocacy groups have called for renewed efforts to support victims and prevent such tragedies.
Charges Filed Against Pressley
Pressley now faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and use of a firearm in a violent crime. He is being held without bond, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 28, 2025.
The tragedy of Chaquanda Odom’s death underscores the urgent need to address the intersection of gun violence and domestic abuse. As her community mourns, they also call for action to ensure her story serves as a catalyst for change.
For those affected by domestic violence, resources are available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.
