A 19-year-old woman is facing serious charges after allegedly fatally stabbing her cousin during an argument that began over a job referral. Authorities say the dispute turned deadly inside their shared home on September 29, leaving 18-year-old Jaquveon Wright dead and his cousin, Rae’Jianna Hall, accused of reckless homicide.
According to a criminal complaint, the confrontation began when Hall grew upset that Wright wouldn’t help her get hired at the Taco Bell where he worked. Wright lived with his family, girlfriend, and Hall in a duplex on Milwaukee’s north side. Around 2 p.m., Hall reportedly asked Wright for his manager’s number so she could apply for a position. When Wright refused, tensions escalated, leading to a heated exchange that quickly spiraled out of control.
Police were called to the home after Hall dialed 911, claiming that Wright “ran up and hit her” after she “spit on him.” She also told dispatchers she stabbed him in self-defense. When officers arrived, they found Wright outside the residence, bleeding heavily from a stab wound to the neck. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Wright running from the house “with blood gushing from his neck” before collapsing.
During her police interview, Hall admitted to pepper-spraying Wright earlier that day and acknowledged swinging a knife at him during their argument, puncturing his shirt. She claimed Wright later returned and punched her, leading her to raise the knife again in fear. Hall stated that while she knew she could have killed Wright, “that was not her intention,” though she refused to clarify whether the stabbing was accidental or deliberate.
Witnesses, including Wright’s girlfriend and mother, described frequent arguments between the cousins. Wright’s girlfriend told police Hall often threatened Wright, including saying she would “stab” or “kill” him while laughing. She recalled seeing Hall “swinging her fists” moments before blood appeared on the walls. Wright’s mother said she saw Hall holding a large knife and heard her threaten to cut Wright just before the fatal altercation.
Rae’Jianna Hall has been charged with reckless homicide, domestic abuse, and use of a deadly weapon. She remains in custody on a $100,000 bond, with her next court appearance scheduled for October 14. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the deadly family dispute that has left a Milwaukee community stunned.
