In a tragic incident in Alabama, a mother, her young son, and her boyfriend were brutally murdered. Moments before her death, the mother managed to send a text message to a friend, identifying their alleged killer. Arkia Berry, 28, was with her 5-year-old son, Landyn Brooks, and her boyfriend, Eric Ashley Jr., also 28, when their vehicle was riddled with bullets.
Berry, a hairdresser, managed to text the name “Jaco” before she succumbed to her injuries. This nickname is associated with Jacorian Deshawn McGregor, who is now facing capital murder charges for the triple homicide that occurred last July, according to police statements during a preliminary hearing.
The police were initially alerted to a car accident in the Echo Highlands neighborhood of Birmingham. Upon arrival, they discovered the three victims in the car. Further investigation revealed Berry’s text message and additional messages from McGregor’s friends advising him to stay hidden.
Ashley, Berry’s boyfriend, had also made a phone call to a contact saved as “Jaco” shortly before the shooting. Social media records indicated that Ashley had previously searched for McGregor’s page, although the nature of their connection remains unclear.
The police are also investigating the theft of a green Kia, which was found burned near the scene of the shooting. “We believe some sort of interaction took place between the occupants of the victims’ vehicle and the suspects’ vehicle,” stated police officer Truman Fitzgerald.
McGregor was not apprehended until late February. During a search of his residence, police found firearms and drugs. He appeared before Jefferson County District Judge William Bell on capital murder charges and is currently being held without bond.
Berry was a hairstylist and her son, Landyn, was a budding football player set to start kindergarten in the fall. Arkia’s cousin, Aniya Berry, described the mother and son as being as close as “two peas in a pod.”