Live coverage of Jackson murder trial, Day 7

Closing arguments begin Tuesday in the murder trial of Alexander Ken Jackson who is charged with fatally shooting his father, mother and sister on June 15, 2021.

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 8:23 a.m. that day and reported he and his father had been shot by a masked 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 gunshot injuries in different rooms in the house, law enforcement officers testified. They found no evidence of a forced entry or home invasion.

In a video recorded police interview, Jackson repeatedly denied shooting his family members but admitted his father had given him an ultimatum to get a job or move out.

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.

Jackson didn’t testify during the trial.

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