A Baton Rouge, Louisiana, mother is accused of orchestrating a plot to have the father of her children killed after pushing her boyfriend to carry out the killing after the victim sought custody and child support.
Hope Jackson was arrested and charged with one count of principal to second-degree murder in connection with the death of Anthony Wesley Jr., who was fatally shot last week. Jackson's boyfriend, 32-year-old Riddick Franklin, was arrested earlier this month and charged with second-degree murder, according to a report from Baton Rouge ABC affiliate WBRZ.
He is also facing charges of illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentality, possession of a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon by a person convicted of certain felonies, and obstruction of justice.
Franklin's White Dodge Ram Seen Leaving the Crime Scene on Surveillance Video
According to an arrest affidavit, Franklin waited in the parking lot of Wesley's apartment complex for hours on Sunday, March 22, before fatally shooting him.
Investigators reviewing surveillance footage determined the gunman shot Wesley from behind moments after he arrived home. Detectives canvassed the area and identified a white Dodge Ram seen leaving shortly after the shooting. Using license plate data, they traced the vehicle to Franklin, who was later detained during a traffic stop.
Detectives executed search warrants on the truck and Franklin's residence, recovering a handgun, clothing consistent with what was reportedly seen in surveillance footage, and his cellphone.
Wesley and Jackson were Involved in Nasty Child Custody Dispute
Court records show Wesley and Jackson were involved in a custody dispute. Last month, Wesley filed a petition for custody, paternity, visitation, and child support for both his son and daughter. The affidavit said Jackson told Franklin she was worried about losing an upcoming court date and that she wanted something done with Wesley.
Franklin told investigators in the days leading up to the homicide that Jackson "increased pressure" on him, saying she wanted Wesley gone because she was tired of child support not being processed.
'I Want Him OV,' Jackson Texted Franklin, Said She Would Lose Everything Otherwise
Investigators uncovered text messages between the couple where Jackson said, "Franklin, 'I want him OV,'" which is street slang for "finish" or to "kill someone."
Documents said Jackson asked Franklin if he was going to kill Wesley for her, saying that the window of opportunity was closing and that if it wasn't done, she would lose everything.
"I ain't gone tell on you, you ain't gone tell on me so we straight," Franklin said, recounting a remark Jackson made the day before Wesley was killed. Both Franklin and Jackson are being held without bond.
