Girl, 14, accused of shooting at deputies appears in court; some worry about neglect by the system

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A 14-year-old girl accused of shooting at Volusia County deputies was in court Wednesday morning.

Nicole Jackson’s hearing lasted a few minutes and ended with her case set to continue next month.

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Some people at the hearing told Channel 9 reporter Mike Springer that they’ve been talking to Nicole, and believe she’s been let down by the system and that they would be willing to adopt her.

Nicole stood by her lawyer’s side in her orange Volusia County Detention Center jumpsuit, with her hands cuffed in front.

Channel 9 is not showing Nicole’s face due to her age and mental health history. Records indicate the Baker Acte has been invoked 11 times for her.

READ: Girl, 14, accused of getting into shootout with Volusia deputies to remain in custody

The Baker Act is a law that enables families and loved ones to provide emergency mental health services and temporary detention for people who are impaired because of their mental illness, and who are unable to determine their needs for treatment.

Deputies said Nicole and a 12-year-old boy ran off from an Enterprise children’s home last June, broke into a house and shot at deputies.

Shauna and Dan Willis said they have been following the case and have been talking to Nicole almost weekly for the past two months through the jail’s phone and text line.

READ: ‘So full of hate’: Bodycam, aerial footage shows dramatic shootout after 2 children open fire on Volusia County deputies

They said that Nicole is a bright young girl who loves dogs and the beach. She is working on getting her GED.

The Willis’s said if Jackson is acquitted, they would adopt her.

“We just have good intentions in mind for her, so we pray for her every day, and if we can give her a family we are going to do that,” Shauna Willis said.

READ: Girl, 14, accused of getting in shootout with Volusia deputies to be charged as adult

The couple and other supporters who were there for Nicole said they are looking at hiring a private attorney to take her case.

She’s being represented by the public defender’s office and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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