Updated

Updated · New York Daily News · Aug 6

James Lackard Surrenders on Attempted Murder Charge in June 29 Bronx Gang Shooting

Updated

Updated · New York Daily News · Aug 6

James Lackard Surrenders on Attempted Murder Charge in June 29 Bronx Gang Shooting

Q: What digital evidence exposed a former deputy commissioner and her felon husband's plot to orchestrate a gang hit?

The alleged plot was exposed largely by **text messages, cellphone evidence, and surveillance video**. Prosecutors say the most damaging digital evidence was a series of **texts between Jennifer Lackard and her son, Chase**, that appeared to show advance planning of the shooting and getaway. In those messages, Chase allegedly told her to be waiting when he came out of court, and Jennifer allegedly replied that she could not just sit outside because “**the timing has to be right**.” Court papers also cited messages about **where to wait and when to leave**, which investigators say showed the family coordinating the attack. Authorities also said **cellphone evidence** helped place and link the family members during the incident, while **surveillance footage** near the Bronx Hall of Justice captured movements tied to the shooting and escape in the family van. Together, those digital records — especially the texts — formed the backbone of the case alleging that the former deputy commissioner, her husband James Lackard, and their son orchestrated a gang-related hit and coordinated the getaway.

3 articles · Updated · New York Daily News · Aug 6

James Lackard surrendered Thursday and was arraigned on attempted murder and conspiracy charges in the June 29 Bronx shooting, with bail set at $150,000.
Prosecutors say his 20-year-old son Chase fired at a rival gang from the family van outside the Bronx Hall of Justice just after a court appearance on an earlier gun case; no one was hit.
Court papers cite text messages showing Chase and his parents coordinated the courthouse pickup and escape, and allege all three rode to the courthouse and fled together.
Jennifer Lackard, 49, a Mount Vernon police deputy commissioner, was arrested Tuesday with Chase, fired within hours, and released Thursday on $75,000 bail; Chase was held without bail Wednesday.
The case has widened scrutiny of the family: James had been in North Carolina when the arrests occurred and previously served about 10 years in federal prison on a heroin conspiracy conviction.