Jacorrian Deshawn McGregor, 25, has been charged with capital murder in connection with he deaths of Arkia Berry, 28, her five-year-old son, Landyn Brooks, and Arkia's boyfriend, Eric Ashley Jr., 28. Moments before her death, Arkia reportedly texted a word to one of her friends, which read, "Jaco."
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According to AL.com, police responded to a 911 call that reported a crash on July 13, 2024, at around 5 p.m. in Birmingham, Alabama. However, upon arrival, responding officers found a Nissan Maxima with bullet holes. Three people inside, Arkia, Landyn, and Eric, were found dead inside the vehicle.
Detective Jarvelius Tolliver revealed that Arkia was driving the vehicle, Eric was in the front passenger seat, and five-year-old Landyn was in the back seat. Arkia Berry was found lying across the center console. Police recovered between 20 to 30 shell casings at the scene, as per the outlet.
Vehicle Fleeing The Scene
According to Tolliver, video surveillance footage showed a Kia Soul arriving at the scene one minute before the Nissan. Then, after the Nissan arrived, at 5:09 p.m., Arkie texted the word "Jaco" to one of her friends. A minute later, the Kia fled the neighborhood, with the Nissan's crash detection system automatically dialing 911.
On July 14, 2024, a day after the alleged triple murder, police located the Kia Soul, which was on fire. They were able to locate the owner, a woman who told police that the vehicle had been stolen for days. One of McGregor's and Berry's friends stated that McGregor had been driving the Kia, as per Tolliver. However, when questioned by McGregor's attorney, he revealed there was no evidence connecting McGregor to the Kia.
Phone records obtained by detectives allegedly showed texts between Jacorrian McGregor and his friends, discussing the shooting. As per Tolliver, "there were people telling him to lay low, stay out of sight, stay hidden."
Arrested And Charged
Jacorrian Deshawn McGregor was arrest on February 24, 2025. He was charged with capital murder in connection with the deaths of Arkia Berry, Landyn Brooks, and Erich Ashley Jr. As per PEOPLE, he is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail without bond. On Thursday, April 17, following a court appearance, a judge ruled that the case would move forward based on the available evidence.
Arkia's cousin, Aniya Berry, spoke with WVTM 13 at the time, talking lovingly about Arkia and Landyn.
"She loved her baby so much," Aniya said. "Everything he wanted, he had. Everything he needed, he had. She took care of her baby the way she was supposed to."
