The tragic death of Dee Jackson, sister-in-law of the legendary Michael Jackson, remains one of the most haunting mysteries in the world of celebrity culture.

On that fateful day, August 27, 1994, the Jackson family faced what they described as the coldest day of their lives.

The shocking circumstances surrounding Dee’s death have led to numerous speculations and unanswered questions, revealing a complex web of relationships, fame, and tragedy.

Dee Dee Jackson Foundation - Home

A Family in Turmoil

Dee Jackson, born Dolores Martes, was a warm and kind woman who married Tito Jackson of the iconic Jackson 5 at the young age of 17.

The couple had three sons—Taj, Terrell, and TJ—while navigating the complexities of life within one of the most famous families in entertainment history.

Despite the glitz and glamour, Dee was known to be the anchor of her family, providing stability amidst the chaos of fame.

However, after 16 years of marriage, Dee and Tito divorced in 1988, citing that they had simply grown apart.

Despite the split, Dee remained a devoted mother and continued to co-parent with Tito, maintaining her ties to the Jackson family.

Yet, she stepped out of the spotlight, living a quieter life while still carrying the Jackson name.

The Jackson Five

The Night of the Incident

Six years after her divorce, Dee began dating Donald Bohana, a businessman 20 years her senior.

On the night of August 26, 1994, Dee visited Bohana’s home in Ladera Heights.

The couple enjoyed dinner, drinks, and eventually moved to the hot tub before transitioning to the pool.

At approximately 3:30 AM, a frantic 911 call was made by Bohana, who reported that someone had fallen into the pool.

However, what raised eyebrows was his detached demeanor during the call—he never mentioned Dee by name.

Upon arrival, paramedics found Dee unresponsive on the pool deck, and despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Ladera Heights, California - Wikipedia

The Autopsy and Investigation

The autopsy revealed numerous bruises and injuries on Dee’s body, raising suspicions about the circumstances of her death.

The coroner initially ruled her death as undetermined, with causes including asphyxia due to drowning, alcohol intoxication, and blunt force trauma.

Dee’s blood alcohol level was found to be significantly above the legal limit, complicating the narrative surrounding her death.

For two years, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office took no action, leaving Dee’s family in a state of grief without closure.

In a surprising turn, the Jackson family hired attorney Brian Oxman, who launched a media campaign to seek justice for Dee.

His efforts culminated in a $2 million wrongful death lawsuit against Bohana, which kept the case in the public eye.

A Change in Rulings

In a significant development, a newly assigned prosecutor, Lorie Jones, took over the case and pressured the coroner, Dr. David Posey, to reconsider the initial ruling.

After two years, Posey changed the manner of death from undetermined to homicide, a move that opened the door for criminal charges against Bohana.

However, the change in ruling was controversial.

Posey had only 29 days of experience as a forensic pathologist, and many questioned his credibility.

Following the trial, he was hired by the Jackson family as a paid expert witness in their civil suit against Bohana, further complicating the narrative surrounding the case.

The Trial and Aftermath

In March 1997, Donald Bohana was formally charged with second-degree murder.

His defense attorney, Harlan Braun, failed to call a crucial expert witness who could have provided evidence supporting Bohana’s innocence.

Despite a polygraph test indicating no deception, the jury found Bohana guilty, sentencing him to 15 years to life in prison.

The aftermath of the trial revealed further complications within the case.

Braun, the defense attorney, later switched sides and began working for the Jackson family, raising questions about the integrity of the legal proceedings.

Dee’s sons, who were still young adults at the time of her death, were left to navigate their grief publicly.

They found solace in their uncle Michael Jackson, who stepped in as a father figure, guiding them through their burgeoning music careers.

In 1995, they released their debut album, dedicating it to their mother, which went on to achieve commercial success.

Donald Bohana receiving an award from Nate Holden, Los Angeles, 1983 — Calisphere

Legacy and Continuing Questions

Years later, the Jackson family established the Dee Jackson Foundation, aimed at providing music therapy for grieving children, a tribute to the legacy of the mother they lost too soon.

Yet, the shadows of Dee’s death lingered, with ongoing debates about the circumstances surrounding her demise.

In December 2022, after serving 24 years in prison, Donald Bohana was granted parole.

He maintained his innocence throughout the years, insisting that Dee could swim and that her death was an accident.

His release reignited discussions about the case, with many questioning whether justice had truly been served.

Conclusion

The story of Dee Jackson is not just a tragic tale of loss; it is a reflection of the complexities of fame, family, and the pursuit of truth.

The intertwining narratives of love, grief, and justice reveal a haunting reality that continues to resonate.

As the Jackson family moves forward, the legacy of Dee Jackson lives on through her sons and their efforts to honor her memory.

The questions surrounding her death may never be fully answered, but they serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of family ties.

The water in Lera Heights, once a place of joy, became the epicenter of a tragedy that still echoes through the years, leaving behind a chilling mystery that captivates and haunts all who hear it.