Berry Texted 'Jaco' Before Alabama Triple Homicide; Arrests in Fox Island and Texas Domestic Killings

Authorities in Birmingham, Alabama, are investigating a triple homicide in which Arkia "Kia" Berry, her 5-year-old son Landyn Brooks, and her boyfriend Eric Ashley Jr. were found shot dead in a blue Nissan Maxima on July 13, 2024. Police recovered between 20 and 30 shell casings at the scene. At 5:09 p.m., Berry texted the word "Jaco" to a friend, and Ashley’s phone called Jacorrian McGregor at the same time, identifying McGregor as the suspect. Surveillance footage captured a lime green Kia Soul, believed to be stolen, in the area at 5:07 p.m. and speeding away at 5:10 p.m. The Kia Soul was later found set on fire.

In Pierce County, Washington, a 27-year-old woman, identified as S.T., was found dead from three entrance gunshot wounds in a Fox Island home on April 20, 2025. Her boyfriend, Lars Eugene Nelson, 29, initially reported her death as a suicide, but autopsy findings and the position of her body were inconsistent with a self-inflicted shooting. Nelson, who stopped answering questions after requesting an attorney, was arrested on second-degree murder charges.

In Fort Worth, Texas, Alexander Taylor Valdez, 23, was arrested after allegedly killing his 58-year-old mother, Teresita Sayson, during what he described as an exorcism. Police were alerted by a Snapchat photo sent by Valdez, and upon arrival found him covered in blood and holding a Bible. The victim had suffered blunt force trauma, and a broken jewelry box was found at the scene, believed to be the murder weapon. A dead dog was also found in the room. Valdez is being held on $750,000 bail.