Woman Texts Killer's Name Moments Before She Died Alongside Her 5-Year-Old

Victor Nwoko
Apr 21
2 min read

A single word texted moments before her death by an Alabama woman has played a crucial role in identifying the suspect behind a tragic triple homicide. The victim, 28-year-old Arkia "Kia" Berry, sent the word “Jaco” to a friend — a reference to 25-year-old Jacorrian McGregor, who has since been arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the deaths of Arkia, her 5-year-old son Landyn Brooks, and her boyfriend, 28-year-old Eric Ashley Jr.

The fatal shooting occurred on July 13, 2024, in Birmingham’s Echo Highlands neighborhood. A 911 call initially reported a car accident, but responding officers discovered the three victims dead from gunshot wounds inside the vehicle. Arkia was reportedly driving, with Eric in the front passenger seat and her son Landyn in the backseat behind her. Investigators recovered between 20 to 30 bullet casings at the scene.

During a preliminary hearing on April 17, Birmingham homicide detective Jarvelius Tolliver testified that Arkia’s final text — “Jaco” — was a critical piece of evidence. McGregor, known by that nickname, was later found to have been communicating with associates who urged him to “lay low, stay out of sight.” The investigation also uncovered a stolen green Kia vehicle believed to be linked to the crime; it was spotted on surveillance footage near the victims’ vehicle and was later found torched.

Phone records from both Arkia and McGregor, along with messages from McGregor’s friends after the incident, helped build the case. McGregor was not apprehended until February 24, 2025, following efforts from the Birmingham Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force.

The motive behind the killings has not been disclosed, and the exact nature of the relationship between McGregor and the victims remains unclear. However, detectives believe there was some form of interaction between the suspect’s vehicle and the victims’ before the fatal shooting.

Arkia Berry, a hairstylist, was remembered as a devoted mother. Her son, Landyn, played football and was set to begin kindergarten that fall. Family members described the mother and child as inseparable, with Arkia ensuring Landyn never lacked anything.

McGregor remains in custody at the Jefferson County Jail without bond. Following his recent court appearance, a judge ruled that there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed.