Alabama Mother Texted Suspect’s Name Moments Before Triple Homicide: Capital Murder Charge Follows

Tragic loss: Arkia "Kia" Berry and her young son were fatally shot, with suspect Jacorrian McGregor now facing capital murder charges.

Birmingham, Alabama — In a heart-wrenching case that has shaken the Birmingham community, a young mother used her final moments to identify her alleged killer. The July 2024 triple homicide that claimed the lives of 28-year-old Arkia “Kia” Berry, her 5-year-old son Landyn Brooks, and her boyfriend, 28-year-old Eric Ashley Jr., has led to a capital murder charge against 25-year-old Jacorrian McGregor.

Authorities say Arkia sent a single, haunting message—“Jaco”—to a friend moments before she was killed. That name, investigators confirmed, is a known nickname for McGregor, who is now accused of orchestrating the violent attack that left three people dead, including a child preparing to start kindergarten.

During a preliminary hearing on April 17, Birmingham homicide detective Jarvelius Tolliver testified that Arkia's message became crucial evidence. Phone records showed McGregor’s associates messaged him shortly after the incident, urging him to “lay low” and “stay out of sight.”

The victims were discovered inside a bullet-riddled car in the Echo Highlands neighborhood of Birmingham on the evening of July 13, 2024, following a 911 call initially reported as a car crash. Responding officers found all three victims deceased from gunshot wounds. Authorities recovered between 20 and 30 shell casings at the scene.

According to police, Arkia had been driving the vehicle. Her boyfriend, Eric Ashley Jr., was in the front passenger seat, while her son, Landyn, was seated in the back. Arkia’s body was found across the center console, a chilling sign of the chaos that unfolded in those final moments.

Surveillance footage captured a green Kia vehicle driving near the victims' car around the time of the shooting. That same Kia was later reported stolen and found burned, possibly to destroy evidence. Investigators believe this vehicle played a role in the crime.

While the exact nature of McGregor’s relationship with the victims remains unclear, prosecutors allege he targeted them intentionally. McGregor was not arrested until February 24, 2025, following an investigation that involved the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. He is currently being held without bond in Jefferson County Jail.

Arkia Berry was a hairstylist known for her bright spirit and devotion to her son. Landyn, who loved playing football and was looking forward to starting kindergarten, was described by loved ones as energetic and joyful.

“Two peas in a pod,” said Aniya Berry, Arkia’s cousin, in a past interview. “She loved her baby so much. Everything he wanted or needed, he had. She took care of him like a mother should.”

The tragedy has struck a deep chord within the community and local law enforcement. “Any time we have a homicide, it affects us. But when you have a child, it affects you differently,” said Officer Truman Fitzgerald then. “We must ask the question: When will enough be enough?”

Following Thursday’s hearing, the judge ruled there was sufficient evidence for McGregor’s case to proceed. He faces capital murder charges and could face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.