The victim drove herself to a hospital while the attacker remained inside the vehicle.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — A woman who was hired to clean a home survived a five-hour attack by persuading her assailant to let her seek medical care, prosecutors said after the man pleaded guilty.
Ezekiel Jackson received a life sentence after admitting to 10 criminal counts, including rape, kidnapping and aggravated assault. The Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office said Jackson used Nextdoor to contact the woman for cleaning work before attacking her inside his home.
Assistant District Attorney Kelly Chavis said Jackson stabbed the woman with a screwdriver in the face, neck and head. Prosecutors said he held her, sexually assaulted her and threatened to kill her. Chavis said the woman kept thinking about how to escape and eventually convinced Jackson that she needed to go to a hospital.
The woman drove herself to the hospital while Jackson rode with her, prosecutors said. Medical workers saw her injuries and fear, separated the two and got her into treatment. Police arrested Jackson at the hospital, ending the attack and beginning the criminal case that closed with this week’s plea.
Prosecutors said the woman continues to face serious health problems from the assault. Chavis said she has active brain bleeding, seizures and balance problems and has needed support to walk. Officials have not released a full medical timeline for her recovery.
Jackson must serve at least 30 years before becoming eligible for a parole hearing. Prosecutors said the life sentence could keep him in prison for the rest of his life, even after he becomes eligible to ask for release.
Chavis said the plea may mark the start of a new phase for the victim. The court case has ended, but prosecutors said her physical recovery remains long and uncertain.
Author note: Last updated May 31, 2026.