A Mississippi marijuana deal allegedly transformed into an execution-style ambush when a woman, her boyfriend and two other suspects traveled to a Jackson residence with one shared objective — ensuring that everyone inside would be killed, according to police testimony.
Background
Keyana Weathersby, 26, was murdered on a living-room couch while her sister, Erica Weathersby, 30, was allegedly shot in a hallway as she tried to seek shelter in a bathroom. Keyana's 2-year-old son, Camari Givens, was killed while lying down in a bedroom. All three victims were shot at close range, Jackson police detective Terrence Jackson testified Tuesday during Mikala Young's preliminary hearing.
The June 27 triple homicide occurred on Queen Alexandria Lane in Jackson. Authorities have described the killings as a "targeted," "intentional" and "heinous" attack that authorities say was carried out under the guise of purchasing marijuana.
"It was … spoken inside the vehicle, which was confessed by Ms. Young, that the individuals that were at that house … They all would be taken care of," Jackson testified, according to the Clarion-Ledger. "No one would be left alive."
Young's mother told the Clarion-Ledger that her daughter had only been dating Cornelius Carter for a week before the killings and was "forced to participate in the crime."
The Investigation
Young, 26, is accused of serving as the getaway driver while her boyfriend, Cornelius Carter, 28, along with Jordan Carter, 28, and Devon Modacure, 32, allegedly carried out the shootings. All four suspects are facing three counts of capital murder along with other charges in connection with the slayings.
Jackson testified that Young admitted to police she was present at the crime scene and behind the wheel of a vehicle carrying the other suspects. The group allegedly removed the getaway vehicle's license plate before luring the father of the 2-year-old victim outside — reportedly because he was best friends with Modacure.
"Two of the male suspects were wearing ski masks and armed when they allegedly confronted the father," Jackson testified. "He realized 'he had been set up' and tried to escape, but one of the suspects warned him, 'Don't run.'"
Young told investigators she remained in the vehicle with Jordan Carter as gunfire erupted and immediately drove away, leaving Modacure and Cornelius behind, according to Jackson's testimony.
Hinds County Coroner Jeramiah Howard confirmed to the Clarion-Ledger that Keyana Weathersby suffered "multiple gunshots to the head," while Camari suffered "multiple gunshots to the head, face and arm." Erica Weathersby sustained "multiple gunshots to the head, upper torso area and extremities."
The Charges
Young is facing three counts of capital murder along with additional charges. Her case is slated to head to a Hinds County grand jury after a judge denied her bond request.
According to Jackson's testimony, Young claimed in a police interview that she was unaware the drug deal would turn into a robbery and murder until the group neared the home — despite allegedly hearing the discussion about killing everyone inside.
After fleeing the scene, Young told police she dropped Jordan Carter off at his residence before returning to her own home. She later met Cornelius Carter where Jackson testified they "smoked" their share of 1 to 2 pounds of marijuana stolen during the robbery.
Key Takeaways
- Three victims — Keyana Weathersby, her sister Erica and her 2-year-old son Camari Givens — were shot at close range inside a Jackson residence on June 27
- Mikala Young allegedly confessed to police that discussions occurred in the vehicle about ensuring 'no one would be left alive'
- Four suspects face three counts of capital murder: Young, her boyfriend Cornelius Carter, Jordan Carter and Devon Modacure
- The attack was allegedly staged as a marijuana deal, with investigators saying the victims were targeted
- A judge denied Young's bond; her case is headed to a Hinds County grand jury
What's Next
Young's case is expected to proceed before a Hinds County grand jury. Cornelius Carter, Jordan Carter and Devon Modacure remain in custody as their cases continue through the judicial system. The investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare for potential trial proceedings.