BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA – Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for all eight people charged in the kidnapping, assault, and killing of 20-year-old mother Mahogany Jackson in Birmingham. Jackson was found shot to death on February 26, 2024, after texting family that she was being held hostage. Much of the abuse was recorded by the suspects themselves, investigators said. The case is resurfacing online, though the death penalty notice was first filed in December 2024.
Mahogany Jackson Texted Family She Was Being Held Hostage
Jackson reached out to her family in the early morning hours of February 25, 2024, saying she was being held hostage at an apartment. The next day, her body was found in southwest Birmingham, at a site locals reportedly call Dead Man’s Road.
She died from a gunshot wound to the back of the head. Police said the suspects were acquaintances of Jackson, who was a young mother. Jackson was reported missing shortly after sending the messages.
Suspects Filmed Hours of Abuse Before Fatal Shooting, Detective Testified
Birmingham homicide detective Mark Green testified that videos taken by the suspects showed Jackson was kidnapped and physically and sexually assaulted. Three of the suspects then allegedly drove her to the location where she was shot. An unnamed witness provided the videos to investigators.
Prosecutors allege Francis Harris fired the fatal shot. Former Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond called the facts of the case deplorable and sickening. Some of the footage was later shared on social media.
Eight Indicted on Capital Murder as Prosecutors Cite Heinous Crime
The eight defendants are Giovonnie Clapp, Blair Green, Francis Harris, Teja Lewis, Si’Niya McCall, Jeremiah McDowell, Brandon Pope, and Airana Robinson. A grand jury indicted all of them on capital murder charges in September 2024.
Jefferson County Deputy District Attorney Charissa Henrich filed notice that the state would seek death if any are convicted of capital murder, calling the case especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel. All eight are under 26, with the youngest 19, and were being held without bond.
All Defendants Plead Not Guilty as Family Waits for Justice
All eight pleaded not guilty when their indictments were read before Judge Kesha Davis. At a February 2025 pretrial hearing, District Attorney Danny Carr said the state had no plea offer and attorneys mentioned new DNA evidence. Prosecutors declined to offer plea deals because they are pursuing the death penalty.
A public defender for at least one suspect has asked the court to bar a death sentence without a unanimous jury verdict. Jackson’s mother, Gail Maddox, has vowed to attend every hearing as the family continues to seek justice. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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