Husband arrested in shooting death of UAA pharmacy program coordinator

WASILLA, Alaska (KTUU) - The husband of a University of Alaska Anchorage pharmacy program staff member has been arrested in connection with her death.

Michael Jackson, 49, is charged with first-degree murder and second-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of 43-year-old Christina Jackson, according to a dispatch from Alaska State Troopers.

Around 4 a.m. Monday, troopers were told Christina Jackson had been shot in a Wasilla home.

Troopers and Wasilla police came to the home, where law enforcement and first responders tried to save her life, but she died at the scene.

According to an affidavit filed by troopers, Michael Jackson called MATCOM dispatch to report that he had shot his wife, and was witnessed by Wasilla police performing CPR on Christina Jackson when they arrived. Law enforcement discovered four bullet casings and a kitchen knife near Christina’s body, along with two Glock handguns.

The couple’s two children were removed from the residence and Michael was interviewed before he was taken to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.

Michael Jackson told investigators that he was “hit a lot and fell,” but troopers wrote that “no injuries were observed.”

The affidavit stated that interviews with people close to the couple revealed a tumultuous relationship. The children reported in their interviews with investigators that both Michael and Christina were arguing the night before the shooting. During the 911 call, Michael Jackson said his wife attacked him.

“I, I, I had to stop her. I shot her. I tried CPR,” Michael Jackson said.

“An autopsy conducted at the State Medical Examiner’s Office revealed that Christina died as the result of four penetrating gunshot wounds to the chest and the manner of death was ruled a homicide,” the affidavit said.

Tom Wadsworth, executive associate dean and associate professor with the University of Alaska Anchorage/Idaho State University Doctor of Pharmacy Program, confirmed that Christina Jackson was employed as the Alaska programs coordinator with the pharmacy program. She was also a founding member of the program.

“It is with very heavy heart that I must tell you this news. Our dear friend & colleague, Chris Jackson was killed this morning. I do not have the details of her death but wanted to notify you as soon as possible. This is gut wrenching news and like you, I am devastated,” Wadsworth wrote in an email to students on Monday.

Troopers spokesperson Austin McDaniel confirmed that Michael Jackson was the husband of Christina Jackson.

Michael Jackson was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial on Thursday.

No trial date information has been released.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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