The Chilling Final Text of a Mother Dying Beside Her 5-Year-Old

Tragedy struck Birmingham last year when a man attacked a woman with her child and partner near one of the city parks. New details have emerged that suggest the mother’s last act was an attempt at getting justice.

Lying in a car riddled with bullet holes, Arkia “Kia” Berry used what remained of her strength to send one final text to a friend.

“Jaco,” it simply read. Now, investigators believe Berry was leaving a clue as to who was responsible for her death, as well as that of her five-year-old son, Landyn Brooks, and her boyfriend, Eric Ashley Jr. Both Berry and Ashley were 28 at the time of their passing.

A 25-year-old man by the name of Jacorian Deshawn McGregor, also known as Jaco, was arrested and faces charges of capital murder for the deaths of Berry, Brooks, and Ashley.

He recently appeared before Jefferson County District Judge William Bell for his preliminary court hearing. Birmingham homicide Det. Jarvelius Tolliver was the sole witness, who recounted the last moments of the victims.

Judge Bell ruled there was enough probable cause to send McGregor’s case to the grand jury for indictment consideration. The suspect remains in custody without bond.

Berry, Brooks, and Ashley were shot and killed inside a blue Nissan Maxima on July 13, 2024, near the entrance to Echo Highlands Park. Berry was a hairstylist, and her son was set to start kindergarten that fall.