A devastating and senseless act of violence has shaken the community of Tyler, Texas, after a 26-year-old mother of two was brutally murdered in front of her child. The victim, Cheyenne Russell, was found dead in her apartment at the Bellwood Lake Apartments on January 6, with her ex-boyfriend, Jorian Raklyn Nashun Jackson, 29, of Plano, accused of committing the heinous crime.
According to an arrest affidavit from Smith County, one of Russell's children, who witnessed the murder, described the events leading up to the tragic incident to police. The child reportedly told investigators that Jackson had come to the apartment to give the children Christmas presents, but the visit quickly turned violent.
The affidavit states that Russell's roommate had helped her move into the apartment the day before the murder and had left the apartment in the early morning. Russell had texted her roommate throughout the day, telling her that Jackson was at the apartment and was questioning their breakup, which had occurred about a year prior.
The roommate received a text from Russell at around 1:50 p.m. and arrived back at the apartment around 5 p.m. to find Russell's lifeless body on the couch, covered in a blanket. The roommate was approached by Russell's older child, who told her that "her mom was dead." After checking on Russell and seeing blood on her face, the roommate called 911.
The child reportedly told the roommate that Jackson and Russell had been fighting, and in further police interviews, the child said that Jackson had "caused the red on mommy's dress." The child also described how Russell had started making coughing and choking sounds.
Crime scene investigators found five spent shell casings in the apartment and three entry wounds on Russell's body. The affidavit states that Jackson was arrested and charged with Russell's murder.
The community is still reeling from the shock of the incident, and many are left wondering what could have driven someone to commit such a heinous crime. The incident has raised concerns about domestic violence and the importance of seeking help for those who may be experiencing abuse.
Russell's family and loved ones are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their loved one, and the community is rallying around them to offer support and condolences. The incident has served as a poignant reminder of the importance of community and the need for support and understanding in times of tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the community is holding out hope that justice will be served and that the perpetrator will be brought to account for their actions. The senseless loss of Cheyenne Russell's life has left a void in the community, and it will take time for them to heal and move forward.