Mom who was fatally shot texted suspect’s name to friend in final moments
ArchiveFirst published April 24, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
A tragic triple homicide in Birmingham, Alabama took a chilling turn when one of the victims, Arkia Berry, texted the name “Jaco” just moments before being fatally shot alongside her 6-year-old son, Landyn Brooks, and boyfriend, Eric Ashley Jr.
Jacorian “Jaco” McGregor, the alleged shooter, appeared in court on April 17. Det. Jarvelius Tolliver testified that surveillance footage showed a lime green Kia Soul arriving at Echo Highlands Park at 5:07 p.m.—minutes before the victims’ car. By 5:09 p.m., Berry had texted “Jaco”, and one minute later, the Kia was seen speeding away.
Ashley also made calls to contacts saved as “Jaco” and “Jac” that day. Cell phone records placed both Ashley and McGregor’s phones at the crime scene.
“Berry texted [McGregor’s] name right before she died,” Tolliver told the court. However, McGregor’s defense attorney countered, “That doesn’t mean he was the shooter.”
While prosecutors argue the evidence is enough to proceed, the defense claims it’s all circumstantial. The case is expected to go before a jury.
