Cedar Rapids Man Accused of Killing 3 Family Members Enters Plea

20-year old Alexander Jackson of Cedar Rapids stands accused of murdering three members of his family. On Tuesday, June 15, 61-year-old Jan Jackson, 68-year-old Melissa Jackson, and 19-year-old Sabrina Jackson were all found dead in separate rooms of the house, all from gunshot wounds. On Wednesday, July 28, Jackson pleaded not guilty to three charges of first-degree murder according to a report from KWWL. His trial is now scheduled for January 25.

Alexander Jackson himself called police to report the shooting

Alexander Jackson placed a call to 911 on June 15 just before 8:30 am to report that he and his dad had been shot by a man who had allegedly broken into their home. However, when police arrived, they found three deceased members of Jackson's family and an injured Alexander Jackson who claimed he too had been shot by the home invader. Investigators were unable to find any evidence of forced entry.

However, a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle was discovered that was believed to be the weapon used to commit the killings. When questioned, Alexander Jackson informed officers the rifle was left on the fireplace the night prior, and that his father had just cleaned it.

A motive for the murders?

Jackson has claimed since the murders that he did not kill his family. Police say a possible motive for him to have done so is his father recently told him he needed to find a job, or move out of the family home. Jackson remains jailed with bail set at $3 million cash-only.