Live Coverage of Jackson murder trial, Day 5

The prosecution will rest its case Friday against Alexander Ken Jackson who is charged with fatally shooting his father, mother and sister on June 15, 2021, and the defense will begin.

The former University of Iowa student, now 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 8:21 a.m. that day and reported he and his father had been shot by a man wearing black clothing and green shoes, according to testimony.

When police arrived at the family home, 4414 Oak Leaf Ct. NE, they found each family member with multiple gunshot injuries in different rooms in the house, according to testimony. Police found no evidence of a forced entry or home invasion.

Jackson, during a police interview played for the jury Thursday, repeatedly denied killing his family members but did admit he father told him to get a job or he would have to move out. His grades had dropped at UI from when he first enrolled.

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 may wrap up early next week.

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