In a harrowing event in Alabama, a woman, her young child, and her partner were brutally slain. The woman, in her final moments, managed to send a text message to a friend, revealing the identity of their suspected murderer. Arkia Berry, aged 28, was with her 5-year-old son, Landyn Brooks, and her partner, Eric Ashley Jr., also 28, when their car was peppered with bullets.
Berry, who worked as a hairdresser, was able to text the name “Jaco” before she succumbed to her injuries. This moniker is linked to Jacorian Deshawn McGregor, who is now facing capital murder charges for the triple homicide that took place last July, as per police statements during a preliminary hearing.
The police were initially called to a car accident in the Echo Highlands neighborhood of Birmingham. Upon their arrival, they found the three victims in the car. Further investigation led to the discovery of Berry’s text message and additional messages from McGregor’s friends advising him to remain hidden.
Ashley, Berry’s partner, 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 probing the theft of a green Kia, which was found burned near the shooting scene. “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 captured 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 an aspiring 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.”