BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA — A single word reportedly sent from a dying mother’s cellphone has become one of the most haunting details in a Birmingham triple-homicide investigation that claimed the lives of a mother, her 5-year-old son and another young man.

On July 13, 2024, Birmingham police responded to a reported vehicle accident in the 1700 block of Indian Summer Drive, near Echo Highlands Park.

When officers arrived, they discovered a vehicle in a residential yard that had been struck by multiple rounds of gunfire.

Inside were 5-year-old Landon Brooks, his mother, 28-year-old Arkia Berry, and 28-year-old Eric Ashley Jr., 28.

All three had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Police described the preliminary investigation as a targeted shooting.

As detectives reconstructed the events surrounding the shooting, cellphone evidence became an important part of the investigation.

According to testimony reported from a preliminary hearing, Berry’s phone sent a message containing one word: “Jaco.”

Investigators identified “Jaco” as the nickname of Jacorrian Deshawn McGregor, who was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the deaths.

Reports also described surveillance and cellphone evidence that investigators used while building the case.

The investigation continued for months before authorities arrested McGregor.

On February 24, 2025, Birmingham police, the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and Alabama Pardons and Paroles apprehended McGregor in Birmingham.

Police said detectives presented their investigative findings to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, resulting in a warrant charging him with capital murder involving two or more people.

More than two years after the killings, the case reached another significant stage.

The Jefferson County grand jury indicted McGregor on August 7, 2026, on three capital-murder charges: capital murder of two or more people, capital murder committed in a vehicle, and capital murder involving a victim under 14.

At the center of the case is Landon Brooks, a 5-year-old child whose life ended inside the vehicle alongside his mother and Ashley.

The reported final text from a mother who was dying alongside her young son has become another lasting and deeply troubling detail in the case that continues through the Alabama court system.

This case continues to draw attention because of the death of a young child and the reported cellphone evidence that investigators say helped lead them toward a suspect.

Our deepest condolences go out to the families, loved ones, and friends of Arkia Berry, 5-year-old Landon Brooks, and Eric Ashley Jr.

No family should ever have to endure the unimaginable pain of losing their loved ones to violence—especially a child whose life was only beginning.

May their memories continue to live on, may their families find strength and comfort in the days ahead, and may justice and truth remain at the center of this case.