Live coverage of Alexander Jackson murder trial

The prosecution continues its case against a former University of Iowa student charged with fatally shooting his father, mother and sister on June 15, 2021.

Alexander Ken Jackson, 22, is on trial for three counts of first-degree murder. He is accused of killing his father, Jan Perry Jackson, 61; mother Melissa Ferne Jackson, 68; and sister Sabrina Hana Jackson, 19, in their northeast Cedar Rapids home that early morning.

Jackson called 911 at 8:23 a.m. that day and reported he and his father had been shot by a Black man wearing black clothing and green shoes, according to testimony last Friday.

When police arrived at the family home, 4414 Oak Leaf Ct. NE, they found each family member with gunshot injuries in different rooms in the house, according to a K-9 officer who testified last week. They found no evidence of a forced entry or burglary.

A criminal complaint indicated a possible motive by stating Jackson denied shooting his family members but “admitted his father had recently advised that he needed to find a job or move out of the residence.”

The prosecution plans to show a video of Jackson’s police interview.

The defense in its opening said Jackson is innocent and is the “fourth victim” of the unknown intruder. The defense also blamed police for not doing their job.

The trial will go all week and into next week.

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